6 Comments
User's avatar
Willy from Philly ButNotReally's avatar

Cautiously optimistic only because, as noted, this will be a pretty big change to their offensive schemes that worked SO well last year, in addition to now seeing how Chet does as a PF. However, cost is relatively low, Hartenstein's deal is such that it's probably flippable in year 2 if it turns out to be an unworkable fit AND he was easily the best big on the market that could work. If only they were still in Seattle, he could rock the Schrempf flat top!

Expand full comment
Chuck's avatar

Excellent cogent thoughts. Even if he isn’t a major force he will be a definite upgrade, and remember this young thinly-framed squad, especially Chet will be adding strength and physicality. If you can, look at theKD-Chet scrimmages to see Chet is getting is getting bigger. Thanks

Expand full comment
Mike Shearer's avatar

Thanks! Chet can and will get stronger, but strength will never be his calling card, he's just too narrow. Every little bit helps, though, as long as he's not also losing quickness.

Expand full comment
Trust Dust's avatar

Do you think Holmgren and Hartenstein will share the court significant minutes or not? You say they will at one point, and they won't at another point.

Expand full comment
Mike Shearer's avatar

Oh they definitely will. Further reporting since I wrote this suggests they might both start. I meant more that they don't absolutely have to play together if it turns out the pairing doesn't work, and there are ways to stagger them so that time together is kept relatively minimal.

But to make it clear, I do think we'll see loads of them together to begin the season, and then the Thunder will adjust or not depending on how it's going.

Expand full comment
Mxtyplk's avatar

Thunder needed some kind of inside help. They were the worst rebounding team in the entire NBA last year! Crazy price though

Expand full comment