One week ago, 21-year-old Isaiah Hartenstein wasn’t a part of the Houston Rockets rotation and had been seen much more frequently with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers — Houston’s G League affiliate.
But the recent heel injury prompting a two-game absence from starting center Clint Capela gave the young seven-footer an opportunity, and he continues to take full advantage.
In the two games Capela missed, Hartenstein averaged 14 points on 72.2% shooting and 11 rebounds in 29.3 minutes per game.
With Capela back in Tuesday’s home win versus Denver, Hartenstein’s minutes were understandably more limited. But even in just 18 minutes, Hartenstein still made major contributions with 16 points (75% shooting), 12 rebounds, and a team-leading plus/minus figure of +21.
The win moved the Rockets (23-11) to within a half-game of the Nuggets (23-10) for the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference.
After the game, head coach Mike D’Antoni confirmed what was becoming obvious: Hartenstein has earned the regular backup center role behind Capela. Previously, that role had been filled by some combination of either 37-year-old veteran Tyson Chandler or smaller lineups with a forward such as P.J. Tucker or Gary Clark in the middle.
Hartenstein, however, offers much more size and athleticism in the paint. And that was on full display against the Nuggets, led by star big man Nikola Jokic. Between Capela and Hartenstein, the two Houston centers outrebounded Jokic by a commanding 22-8 margin.
Speaking postgame, Hartenstein — who usually plays in Houston’s second unit alongside Russell Westbrook — said he had watched film of Oklahoma City center Steven Adams to try and decipher how to best fit in alongside the former Thunder MVP.
The competition will remain steep for Hartenstein, with the Philadelphia 76ers (23-13) and Joel Embiid coming to town Friday. But with Capela healthy and Hartenstein surging, the Rockets may have more size and athleticism than anticipated to counter the Sixers’ All-Star big man.
