Isaiah Hartenstein – LA Clippers
After opting out of his player option for this upcoming season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was expected that Isaiah Hartenstein was going to re-sign with the Cavaliers. Still, both sides could not agree on a new deal, and Cleveland instead added Lauri Markkanen to their frontcourt.
Hartenstein remained a free agent for some time but recently agreed to a training camp deal with the LA Clippers.
After making it to their first-ever Western Conference Finals, the Clippers definitely enter the 2021-22 season with high expectations. However, they will have a tough challenge ahead, as Kawhi Leonard is still out as he recovers from offseason ACL surgery.
Paul George and Reggie Jackson will carry the load for this team, with Nic Batum, Marcus Morris, Serge Ibaka, and others contributing, but the Clippers have a frontcourt problem. Ibaka missed over 40% of their games last season, and outside of Ivica Zubac, the LA Clippers really do not have another center.
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Keeping Isaiah Hartenstein on a one-year deal could definitely make a ton of sense for the LA Clippers this season, especially since he averaged 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks in 16 games with the Cavaliers last season.
The Clippers need another big body who can rebound and help protect the paint, which is why Hartenstein makes a lot of sense for them on a one-year, minimum-like contract. After waiving Yogi Ferrell last week, the LA Clippers currently sits at 14 roster spots filled for the 2021-22 season, giving Isaiah Hartenstein a solid chance to claim the Clippers’ final roster spot.
