How The Thunder’s Centers Have Independently Powered A Dominant Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder has put together a tremendous start to the 2024-25 season, but the early success hasn’t come without adversity. Injuries, in particular, have been the primary obstacle the team has been required to overcome.

Despite the impressive 22-5 record so far, the Thunder’s season can almost be viewed as three distinct phases, each defined by the health and availability of its centers.

In the first part of the season, Chet Holmgren was the team’s only healthy center. With Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams sidelined, Oklahoma City lacked depth in the frontcourt. Despite this, Holmgren’s performance was more than enough to anchor the team. The 22-year-old played at an All-Star level through the first 10 games, averaging over 16 points, nearly nine rebounds, and two assists per game. Additionally, his 3.5 stocks were among the league’s best, putting him in the conversation for NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Entering the game against the Golden State Warriors — when Holmgren suffered a significant hip injury — the Thunder had a stellar 8-1 record, cementing its status as one of the NBA’s top teams.

Following that injury, with Holmgren out and Hartenstein and Williams still recovering, the Thunder had no choice but to play small ball. Over the next five games, Oklahoma City went 3-2, relying on grit and adaptability to stay competitive until reinforcements arrived. This was a short phase of the season in which the Thunder looked its worst.

Hartenstein returned to the lineup in late November against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking a turning point in the season and the third segment of the 2024-25 campaign for OKC. Since his debut, the Thunder has reestablished itself as a dominant force, going 11-1 with him in the rotation. His presence has been transformative, en route to him averaging 12.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and nearly four assists per contest, while showcasing his elite rebounding and passing skills.

The numbers paint a clear picture: Oklahoma City is 19-2 when either Holmgren or Hartenstein plays a full game. Conversely, the Thunder is just 3-3 in games without one of its primary centers available for the entire matchup. This underscores the importance of having a quality big man on the floor for this team and how much each brings to the court.

What’s most intriguing is that Holmgren and Hartenstein have yet to share the court this season. When Oklahoma City signed the former New York Knick this past offseason, the vision was for the pair of 7-footers to coexist on the floor while staggering their minutes to ensure one was almost always on the court. Holmgren isn’t expected back until closer to the NBA All-Star break in February, but the Thunder has proven it can remain atop the Western Conference standings in his absence. Once both centers are healthy, the team will look to integrate them together, potentially unlocking an entirely new level of dominance.

Assuming both Holmgren and Hartenstein are healthy heading into the playoffs, the Thunder could be a legitimate championship contender. Add in the possibility of a trade deadline acquisition and the continued development of this young roster, and Oklahoma City’s outlook is as bright as ever.

After years of struggling to find consistency at the center position, the Thunder finally boasts enviable depth — when healthy. The data is undeniable: when one of these 7-footers is on the floor, Oklahoma City is arguably the best team in the NBA.