After an already very successful 2023/24 season, between first place in the Western Conference and qualification for the second round of the playoffs, the Thunder struck hard during the offseason with a very clever recruitment: the signing of Isaiah Hartenstein and the transfer ofAlex Carusoin exchange for Josh Giddey. If the franchise remains patient and does not want to overdo it, expectations will nevertheless be high.
Because the two recruits bring ideal qualities for Mark Daigneault’s group. Isaiah Hartenstein arrives with his size and muscles. “He gave me a few screens and I’m getting over it. On a few, I said to myself: 'Ah!' », says Alex Caruso.
In addition to freeing his teammates with his screens, the former Knicks also has very good hands. This was visible in New York and could be even more pronounced in Oklahoma City.
“It’s clear that a lot of our offense is done in screens, sliding in and out quickly to position ourselves,” explains Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “He can also make very good passes, that’s what I remember. He can really play the game. We expected that. »
Give 100% already, the rest will follow
There is therefore no deception on the merchandise. And this is also the case with the former Chicago and Los Angeles fullback. “He remains exactly who he was in the past: annoying as hell! »confirms SGA, recounting his training with the 2020 champion.
Alex Caruso's strong defensive qualities will be valuable to the Thunder. He will form, with Luguentz Dort, a duo which could become a nightmare for opposing attackers.
“The easiest thing for us is to play hard. If this is our basis, then the rest will take care of itself,” he says, talking about his integration and that of Isaiah Hartenstein. “If we take care of certain things instead of giving 100% every time, we will juggle questions. »
