Minnesota Timberwolves Bargain Basement Bigs II: Isaiah Hartenstein

We continue our trek to leave no stone unturned in our quest to identify potential frontcourt help for the Minnesota Timberwolves. As the new reign of Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly kicks in, he will inevitably be drawn to the dilemma of how to help the team’s frontcourt.

There are plenty of options, but the key is to hone in on the best options for this roster, these players, and hopefully land someone who can not only help shoulder the burden over the long season but create a spark off the bench in the postseason.

Connelly may have a honeymoon period ahead, but it will all be short-lived if he fails to address key areas of need. Finding roster help for Karl-Anthony Towns will make it to his in-basket fairly quickly. So how can he do so quickly? The best strategy is to sign up a low-risk high-reward player quickly. That will give the Minnesota Timberwolves that instant good feeling that helps to make the tone for the new NBA season, and at the same time does not obligate the team to any long-term commitment.

NBA Free Agency – II: Isaiah Hartenstein

The versatility of center/ power forward Isaiah Hartenstein is difficult to overlook. This four-year NBA veteran is just 24 years old but is already flashing signs of being a significant contributor throughout the course of his NBA career. While he is still getting limited minutes in games, he continues to make an ever-more persuasive case for a larger role.

The 7-foot-0 250-pound big has all of the big man tools you want to see: good shooting in the paint, can block shots, can work the boards for rebounds. But he is also very good at dishing out assists, can reach in with his big hooks to steal the basketball, and can even become a low-volume marksman at three-point range.

His postseason experience is limited, but he is young and still maturing. And he is coming off a one-year / $1,729,217 contract with the LA Clippers. He could be a great bargain if he signs cheap, delivers quality minutes, and sparks the Timberwolves with double digits off the bench.