One of the prominent free agents of the 2024 offseason, Isaiah Hartenstein was great for them thunder Since returning from a broken left hand, he averaged 14.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 blocks (32.0 minutes per game) in his first four games with the team.
Since he was injured at the start of the 2024/25 season and Chet Holmgren He then suffered a fractured pelvis that sidelined him for a while several weeksThe two big men still have to play alongside each other in the regular season.
In a long interview with Mark Medina from SportskeedaHartenstein expressed confidence that his game will complement Holmgren's once he returns, noting that his injured teammate is in “good spirits” as he continues to recover.
“Offensively, he’s really good with the ballHartenstein said of Holmgren. “He can play that 4th position. So having that versatility with two big players, especially on defense, is the biggest thing. You have two great rim protectors. He knows how to play the game. He's smart. I think things can go really well when he comes back. We have different games. I'm probably more physical and will probably try to make other guys more open. He probably plays more on the outside. It is similar but different in the same way.”
Here's more from the Northwest:
- All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards had some pointed words for his Timberwolves teammates after losing their fourth straight game earlier this week (they ended that skid with a one-point win over the Clippers on Friday). Nickel Alexander-Walker And Naz Reid recently responded to Edwards' comments, particularly about the team's thin skin, as Chris Hine of The Star Tribune writes. Alexander-Walker said the team lacked the leadership of the veteran forward Kyle Andersonwho landed with Golden State in free agency. “It's a different team and a different dynamic when you look at the team from a season agosaid Alexander Walker. “Different personalities. I lost Kyle, who was a very, very vocal person in the locker room. He was kind of the glue for a lot of these things. It has put the boys in a position where Ant is now louder than ever. This is his first year doing this.”
- Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. has taken on an increased offensive role this season. Bennett Durando of the Denver Post takes a look at how Porter, who has undergone several major surgeries over the years, continues to improve his game with the help of an unusual training program.
- Former first-round pick Peyton Watson will be eligible for a rookie extension next offseason. He has recently discussed a number of topics Sportskeeda contributor Grant Afsethincluding his growing confidence as a member of the Nuggets'Starting lineup – a role that will likely end soon Aaron Gordon officially ready to return to action on Sunday (Twitter link about the team).
