Isaiah Hartenstein praises coaches in offseason for relationship with Chet Holmgren

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein revealed he sat down with head coach Mark Daign to discuss ways to improve his offense before the starting center joined Chet Holmgren for offseason training in California. And while Hartenstein is campaigning for Holmgren’s first All-Star bidhe is off to the best start of his NBA career.

Hartenstein is averaging 12.2 points on 67.1% shooting, the third-highest shooting percentage in the league, 10.7 rebounds, eighth in the NBA and 1.3 steals per game this season. After Wednesday’s 113-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Hartenstein reflected on what led to his newfound focus and high-level production.

“To be so focused on the process, it was amazing. Me and Mark sat down before the season. I just tried to figure out how to get better, and I think I really bought into what he said,” Hartenstein said. “It’s helped me a lot. I’ve just gotten a lighter look. Not just trying to shoot floaters all the time. I think that’s helped my percentage a lot.”

Hartenstein has been much more assertive offensively, which he says is a byproduct of his offseason workouts with Holmgren and NBA shooting coach Drew Hanlen.

“Me and Chet played great together. I think being in LA, with Drew Henlen, helped a lot,” Hartenstein added. “It’s been great for me. I think overall as a team we’ve had a lot of fun. We’ve been so focused on the process, knowing you can’t look too far ahead. You’ve got to be in the moment. You can’t skip steps, and I think that’s what got us off to such a good start.

“We’re not looking too far into the final or playing in it right now. We know we have to go through certain stages during the season to get where we want to go.”

Isaiah Hartenstein says offseason workouts have led to an impressive start

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein is off to the best start of his career. as his father, Florian Hartenstein, told ClutchPoints, his son has a lot figured out. For Isaiah, hanging out with his teammate, Chet Holmgren, has helped in many ways, on and off the court.

Hartenstein revealed how meaningful the time he spent with Holmgren and NBA shooting coach Drew Hanlen over the summer was for him.

“They were big. Just sitting around, talking about how to make each other look easier, playing in the offseason. Then, Chet’s just a better player — he’s been great this year,” Hartenstein said. “He makes my life easier. He makes great reads. He was balanced – defensively – he was great. I think he’s having an All-Star season and we just want to keep getting better and better.”

Hartenstein and the Thunder host the Suns on Friday.