Hartenstein acts as the primary facilitator in the pick and roll and handoff sets, turning Joe into a constant threat and anchoring the Thunder's second unit with reliable screening and playmaking.

<p>Hartenstein’s arrival adds size, defense, and spacing around Holmgren, enabling flexible frontcourt configurations and potential double-big lineups. His veteran savvy and rim protection complement OKC’s youth, testing the balance between development and winning now.</p><p>Fantasy impact hinges on minutes, matchup-driven roles, and how effectively he can contribute rebounds and blocks while not diminishing the growth arc of the core players.</p>

Hartenstein’s addition provides a ready-made big behind Holmgren, enabling a double-big look that carried Oklahoma City through the playoffs. His rim-running and rim protection complement Holmgren, offering a reliable pivot in various lineups and keeping defense versatile.

Hartenstein's two-season tenure helped bridge Thunder's rise with its community-forward identity. His on-court contributions and steady fan engagement reinforce OKC's development-centric arc, highlighting a path for players to grow alongside the franchise's long-term mission.

Hartenstein is a key depth piece in the Thunder’s plan, with extensions looming as a test of whether the front office can keep versatile bigs who can guard and rebound while contributing modest scoring.