As the playoffs approach, the Oklahoma City Thunder are experimenting with a relatively new weapon: a lineup featuring both Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Due to injuries at the start of the season, these two seven-footers only began playing together shortly before the All-Star break. In the 16 games and 269 minutes they`ve shared the court, the Thunder have a notable positive net rating, though the sample size is still considered small.

Despite the limited time together, it`s evident that this tandem brings a different dynamic to the Thunder. A glimpse into their potential was showcased in the opening moments of a recent game against Sacramento. Within the first minute and a half, they demonstrated their offensive synergy with a layup and a three-pointer initiated by their combined playmaking. Defensively, they effectively double-teamed Domantas Sabonis, disrupting the Kings` offense.

Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez noted the uniqueness of OKC`s approach, contrasting it with traditional `90s basketball with two centers. He emphasized Hartenstein`s perimeter skills as a ball-handler and passer, and described Holmgren as a versatile player beyond the typical `big man` label.

The Thunder have consistently started Hartenstein and Holmgren together, deliberately testing this lineup against various opponent styles to understand its advantages and disadvantages. Coach Mark Daigneault explained that this experimentation is key to strategically deploying the lineup effectively in different game situations.

The benefits of this jumbo lineup are already apparent, particularly in rebounding. Their offensive rebounding rate is among the league`s best, and their defensive rebounding is superior. Defensively, they control the paint, limiting opponent shots at the rim and forcing more mid-range attempts.

However, there are trade-offs. With both bigs on the court, the Thunder`s turnover rate slightly increases, and their fast-break offense isn`t as potent as when playing with a single center. They also attempt fewer above-the-break three-pointers and, defensively, force fewer turnovers while allowing more three-point attempts.

The chemistry between Hartenstein and Holmgren is developing. Holmgren mentioned their ongoing work on lob passes, highlighting the need to balance playmaking with his own scoring threat to maximize those opportunities. Their on-court connection is improving, which Hartenstein believes will be significant for the team.

A Formidable Combination

Defensively, the size and length of Hartenstein and Holmgren are intimidating. This allows the Thunder to adopt a more controlled defensive style, relying less on turnovers and enabling flexible switching without compromising rim protection or rebounding. They can effectively cover for each other when defending on the perimeter or against dribble penetration.

While Hartenstein often guards the opposing center, they`ve experimented with different defensive schemes, including zones and unconventional matchups. Daigneault used games against teams with smaller lineups to challenge Hartenstein and Holmgren, aiming to identify the limits and potential of this pairing. He stressed the importance of fully understanding this lineup for the team`s overall strategy.

In a game against Milwaukee, Hartenstein was assigned to guard Giannis Antetokounmpo, while Holmgren focused on disrupting the Bucks` offense. This strategy proved effective in limiting Milwaukee`s scoring and containing Antetokounmpo. Hartenstein and Daigneault both emphasized the powerful impact of this double-big lineup, especially defensively.

The Offensive Initiator

Addressing their rebounding concerns from the previous season was a priority for Oklahoma City. Hartenstein was seen as a solution because of his unconventional offensive approach for a center.

Hartenstein describes his offensive role as dynamic, not static. He`s actively involved in plays, preventing the offense from becoming stagnant. Daigneault praises Hartenstein as a unique offensive big man, particularly as a point-center. Although not a three-point shooter, Hartenstein facilitates a 5-out offense, creating opportunities for teammates with his passing and screening from various positions on the court.

Hartenstein sees himself as an `offensive trigger,` initiating actions and manipulating defenses. He is skilled with the ball, using dribble handoffs and playmaking to create advantages.

His passing ability in the short roll and his signature floater shot make him a versatile offensive threat. Daigneault highlights Hartenstein’s effective screening, which frees up guards and allows him to capitalize on scoring opportunities within the pick-and-roll.

In a league prioritizing rim and three-point defense, Hartenstein`s floater becomes a valuable weapon against teams that concede mid-range shots. He notes that not many centers consistently utilize this shot, making it particularly effective against drop coverage defenses.

The Versatile Big Wing

Offensively, Hartenstein views Holmgren as more of a perimeter-oriented player than a traditional big. He feels their offensive games complement each other without overlap.

Guard Cason Wallace describes both players as adaptable, able to read and react to situations effectively on the court. Their combined presence provides enhanced basketball IQ and flexibility.

Oklahoma City has empowered Hartenstein to play his style and has pushed Holmgren to showcase his diverse skillset. While Holmgren handles traditional big-man roles like screening and dunking, he also initiates pick-and-rolls and creates plays off the dribble, demonstrating his wing-like versatility.

Holmgren`s development as a playmaker is a key aspect of Oklahoma City`s growth. The Thunder also utilize plays where Hartenstein screens for Holmgren, freeing him for perimeter shots.

Holmgren acknowledges his ongoing development at the `4` position offensively, focusing on rhythm and timing with his teammates. However, he considers his role essentially as a `wing` within the Thunder`s fluid, positionless system. This adaptability, where every player can contribute in various roles, makes the Thunder difficult to defend.

The Danger of Adaptability

General Manager Sam Presti emphasized the Thunder`s goal to become more stylistically diverse with the signing of Hartenstein. This is evident in their offense, which is now less reliant on drive-and-kick plays and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s individual brilliance. The Thunder have become a team capable of shifting their playing style, even playing `small` earlier in the season when key big men were injured, demonstrating surprising effectiveness.

Hartenstein highlights the team`s versatility as a major strength, allowing them to play with various lineups and approaches. Coach Mark Daigneault`s openness to adjustments and avoiding rigid strategies is crucial to their playoff readiness, as adaptability becomes paramount in playoff series.

While evolving their style, the Thunder maintain their core offensive principles. The idea of `bigs` making plays from the perimeter aligns with their established offensive philosophy where `guards` also screen and play inside.

Despite their league-leading record, the Thunder remember their previous playoff exit and aim to be more resilient against playoff pressures. The Hartenstein-Holmgren combination is intended to enhance their ability to overcome shooting slumps, counter opponent adjustments, and punish defenses focused on Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder are still exploring the full potential of this duo, confident in its effectiveness due to the players` adaptability and communication, giving the coaching staff confidence in their strategic flexibility.