Isaiah Hartenstein compares on-court chemistry with Jalen Brunson vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

In his first season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein is already making a big impact. Through 15 appearances, Hartenstein is in the midst of a career year after earning a three-year, $87 million deal in the offseason.

Harteinstein has played alongside two MVP-caliber players in Jalen Brunson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, during his rise over the last two seasons. On Sunday afternoon, the Oklahoma City big man pointed out the differences in playing alongside Brunson versus Gilgeous-Alexander.

"I think they have a lot of similarities in that they're both team-first guys. They both can get to the mid-range," Harteinstein said, but dove into their differences on the court.

"With Brunson, it was really more of me trying to get him open and establishing the two-man game. We're kind of playing more off each other. Then, with Shai, sometimes it's better just to get out of his way, let him do his thing because he's so skilled offensively. They're both great players."

Harteinstein spent two seasons alongside Brunson in New York, averaging 6.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

Isaiah Hartenstein helps Thunder win over Hornets

Hartenstein and the Thunder are coming off a win versus the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night. The seventh-year big man helped Oklahoma City to its 10th win in its last 11 games, taking down Charlotte 106-94.

Isaiah Hartenstein played a massive role patrolling the post, notching 12 points, 15 rebounds and four assists on efficient 6-of-7 shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, adding six assists, four rebounds and two steals in the win.

Hartenstein is proving his worth in the first season of his three-year deal, currently ranking third in the NBA in rebounds per game. In 15 appearances, he is averaging 12.6 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 3.7 apg and 1.1 bpg. The Thunder big man is anchoring the post for Oklahoma City in the extended absence of Chet Holmgren.

He has also played a massive role in the Thunder's rebounding numbers, which rank second in the NBA in rebounds per game (47.5).