A Royal Prospect: Isaiah Hartenstein
A Royal Pain gives its analysis on NBA prospect Isaiah Hartenstein and whether he would be a great addition to the Sacramento Kings.
A prototype seven-footer, Isaiah Hartenstein is coming off a campaign which saw him average just 1 point in 3.2 minutes per night. However, his size has him pegged as a late first-round prospect. The Sacramento Kings are unlikely to reach for him with the 10th overall pick, but a trade up from the second round or a slide by Isaiah could see him winding up in California’s capital.
Background Information (via Draft Express)
Height- 7’0
Weight- 225 lbs
Position- PF/C
Age- 19 (Born: May 5, 1998)
Current Team- Zalgiris (International)
Hometown- Eugene, OR
College Stats (via Real GM)
2016-2017: 4.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.1 turnovers, 0.3 three-pointers made in 11.6 minutes per game over 32 games. Shooting percentages: 49.0% field, 27.6 three-point, 69.8 free throw
2016-2017 Highlight video
Strengths
At 7’0″ tall (9’1″ standing reach) and weighing 225 pounds, Hartenstein has the size to thrive in the NBA. DraftExpress has him as “physically similar to Dontas Montejunas at the same age, yet 26 pounds heavier”. In addition to this, he is very agile for his size and has the potential to be a solid post defender.
On the court, Hartenstein isn’t afraid to battle down low. He holds a career average of 14.0 rebounds per 40 minutes. On top of this, his career 4o minute averages of 2.3 steals and 2.4 blocks highlight good defensive instincts. DraftExpress also highlights his ability to hit the occasional three-ball, almost a necessity in today’s NBA.
While not a freak athlete in the likes of the games superstar players. Hartenstein is solid athletically and has the tools to thrive in the NBA as a solid role player either off the bench or at the starting five spot.
Weaknesses
While capable of hitting the three-pointer at a good clip compared to other centers, his career 28.4% from the perimeter shows he needs plenty of work on that part of his game. His career 61.6% shooting from the free-throw line is also lackluster. DraftExpress laments his poor footwork off the dribble and highlights a lack of ‘finesse’ shown by Hartenstein in the half court. Overall, his offensive game leaves a lot to be desired and is something he will have to work on before he makes an impact in the NBA.
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Aside from offensive weaknesses, Hartenstein is also a bit limited athletically, especially in traffic. His 7’2″ wingspan for a seven footer is also disconcerting. On top of this, he plays with a lot of heart. Leading to kick himself and get down after mistakes.
Fit with Sacramento
With franchise centerpiece Willie Cauley-Stein at the five and 2016 draft pick Georgios Papagiannis backing him up, it’s difficult to see how Hartenstein would fit with the Kings. Sacramento looks locked in at center, but if the Kings take a chance on him, it could pay off in the long run.
Short term, Hartenstein is without a doubt an extremely raw prospect. He will need time to develop. The natural skill is similar to Thon Maker who was drafted by t
he Milwaukee Bucks last year. If taken by the Kings, Hartenstein would likely see time in the D-League to polish up his skills and be looking at spot duty on the NBA court in his rookie season.
Long term, he projects to make a lasting career in the NBA if he can improve his game. Still just 19 years of age, he has plenty of time to develop. He could easily morph himself into a solid starter for whatever team drafts him and potentially more.