Story by
Why did Isaiah Hartenstein join OKC Thunder in free agency? Sam Presti, culture were key
- Story by
- Why did Isaiah Hartenstein join OKC Thunder in free agency? Sam Presti, culture were key
It took less than two hours from the time he officially inked his deal for Isaiah Hartenstein to sound like a fully embedded member of the Thunder .
Like a descendent of Mark Daigneault , like a product of the 57-win maturation process that birthed isms and a contender.
Advertisement
"We're 0-0 now," OKC 's newest 7-foot signee said Saturday afternoon, smirking as he realized what he'd said.
It was the patented, exhausted motto that marks a daily reset for those who practice under Daigneault, and the precious first words of those inside the Thunder incubator. Hartenstein's inauguration is as early as any.
It's the mold and attitude general manager Sam Presti fantasizes about. An additive, connective player who understands OKC's trajectory. Who wanted to be part of it. Whose sentiments about the team's path don't need rehearsal, but were original and long dreamt of from afar. Presti sought that, even making a trip to Hartenstein's hometown of Eugene, Oregon to seal the deal.
Mussatto: Why Paul George trade to Clippers is gift that keeps on giving to OKC Thunder
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 02: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter of game six of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on May 02, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Presti acknowledged the convenience of Hartenstein's situation entering free agency. His goal wasn't to alienate him from New York, or try to muddy Hartenstein's image of the Knicks .
Advertisement
Presti's pitch was about development. Putting Hartenstein in positions to further develop at 26, to continue to put him in situations that allowed him to thrive this past year. Being equal parts inviting about a connection and open about the Thunder's refusal to remain stagnant or normal as it relates to NBA philosophy.
Hartenstein listened. In between, he told his own story. The journey toward a career year, what's helped him and torn him down along the way. They spoke of aspirations, and they found middle ground.
The 7-footer would be a Thunder, the organization's most highly-coveted free agent signing ever, and he'd be that without any apparent quarrels about role or minutes.
"We don't make promises on minutes; we don't make promises on roles," Presti said. "We make promises on environment and trying to put the team in the best position to be successful. (Hartenstein) wasn't asking for that, either."
Advertisement
Presti figured he'd be going to Houston . Instead, he found himself in Oregon, probably quoting Bob Marley while pitching how Hartenstein's screens and inside presence would pump blood into OKC's veins next season.
But, as Presti noted, he'd have reached across the globe if it meant making the team better. He journeyed to the deep West Coast, leaving with someone who instantly understood the big picture.
"From afar, I always saw how the culture was, especially since they've been in OKC, how they established a culture," Hartenstein said.
"OKC was always a team I was really excited about even watching when I was over in Germany when it was KD, Russ and James. Russ probably was one of the first guys who texted me, like if you ever need anything in — I think he said the O or something — just let me know. It's really exciting."
Advertisement
More: Will OKC Thunder be team to beat in Western Conference next season? Handicapping NBA odds
Joel Lorenzi covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joel? He can be reached at jlorenzi@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jxlorenzi. Support Joel's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com .
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Sam Presti made winning pitch for Isaiah Hartenstein to join Thunder
