Stephen A. Smith’s INITIAL REACTION to Isaiah Hartenstein’s move to the Thunder 🍿 | First Take

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith offers his thoughts on Isaiah Hartenstein agreeing to a three-year/$87M deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

[datsapaddlin]

The Thunder pulling some moves out here 👀

[DukesVerrill]

Thunder got Caruso and Hartenstein. I'm liking the moves, Chet and the crew finally got a big to help come playoff time.

[MihoyMinoy-sifb]

This hurts the Knicks big time. I know they extended OG and got Bridges but without Hartenstein they definitely seem less formidable. He was always coming up with clutch offensive rebounds, blocks and shots that kept the Knicks afloat. Their title chances just took a big hit.

[BucketsCulture]

Big Loss for the Knicks The Thunder defence is going to be crazy 🔥

[cel]

As a Thunder fan watching this, it was pretty disappointing they made the whole segment about the Knicks, as opposed to talking about what he brings to OKC, but soon the light will shine on us and they’ll be forced to talk about the smaller market team again.

[SSJRome]

And OKC still has assets available to make moves 🔥🔥🔥

[supernotnatural]

Hartenstein is more valuable than Julius Randle. He does the little things on court that no one notices. Does the dirty work for others to shine. Steals, protection, extra possessions etc.
OKC adding Caruso perimeter defense, Hartenstein and if they add Klay with perimeter shooting, they are the team to beat.

[Soadsgotaload]

So pumped for the Thunder they got two dogs this offseason!

[geronimo]

Stephen A didnt even know who hartenstein was halfway through the season

[tigerhoods]

Solid move. Chet’s got some serious backup now!

[rari]

This dude was super clutch last year. I watched the knicks all year, and he always came up with clutch rebounds and shots. Gonna hurt them more then they think.

[natarajanb]

After Caruso & Hartenstein signing OKC is the outright favorite to come out from the West.

[ErroneousMonk]

Gigantic move for the Thunder. Caruso and now Hartenstein. Top 5 offense and defense has gotten even better with this signing and the Caruso trade. Amazing for Presti to pull this off and make Thunder fans happy.

[samushunter]

Big loss, not sure what the Knicks were thinking not locking this dude up. Julius Randle and Josh Hart will have to go off this season on the boards

[uncledrew]

I’m so ready for that Mavs rematch dawg

[fizzyfee]

Huge loss for the Knicks, how can I-Hart not be a priority? He has a motor for the boards, plays the post-pass game very well, plays defense etc. But we would rather wait on the Julius Randles of the world? Cmonnnn

[tims]

Caruso for Giddey and now Hartenstein as a FA? Amazing off-season right there for a team that is bound to have a ton of internal growth.

Feels like a slight overpay, but makes sense for both Hartenstein and the Thunder to have a 3 year, not 4 year contract. Thunder will have some serious cap issues in a few years. It happens when you have lots of good players

[matthewglover]

Lost Hartenstein and got two injured bigs...yikes 💀

[ShawnReed-nyhd]

The knicks got relatively smaller...which hurts them against the bucks, sixers, pacers and especially the Celtics

[leetraviusmckay]

"way to go Shannon way to go" 😂