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Isaiah Hartenstein’s Injury: A Setback for Oklahoma City Thunder’s Rebounding Strategy

In a recent announcement, the Oklahoma City Thunder confirmed a minor yet significant setback to their roster. Isaiah Hartenstein, the team’s coveted center, has fallen prey to a nondisplaced fracture in his left hand.

Unfortunate Injury During Preseason Game

The injury occurred during a preseason game held in Denver this Tuesday. Being left-handed, this fracture could potentially affect Hartenstein’s performance in the forthcoming weeks. The 7-foot player is slated for a reevaluation in approximately five to six weeks to gauge the progress of his recovery.

Hartenstein’s Role in Boosting Thunder’s Rebound

This summer, Hartenstein was welcomed into the Thunder family with a three-year contract worth $87 million, a strategic move made to rectify the team’s rebounding issues which were evident last season. The Western Conference’s top-seeded team, the Thunder had high hopes pinned on Hartenstein’s addition to their team.

Last Season’s Performance

Before joining the Thunder, the 26-year-old Hartenstein had an impressive stint with the New York Knicks. He recorded an average of 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game last season, effectively showcasing his potential in addressing the Thunder’s rebounding concerns.

In the light of his injury, the Thunder will have to rethink their strategy while they await Hartenstein’s recovery and return to the court. The impact of this setback on the team’s performance in the upcoming season remains to be seen.