The LA Clippers have gotten a significant lift from big man Isaiah Hartenstein this season, especially with the slew of injuries they've had to deal with. Their appreciation showed when the team guaranteed his deal on Friday afternoon, a no-brainer by all accounts.

Wanting a bigger role in the NBA, Hartenstein declined to return to the Cleveland last offseason. He joined the Clippers training camp roster and competed with Harry Giles III for the final spot on the team. He earned the final spot due to a great preseason and developed a fantastic rapport with Terance Mann and Luke Kennard on the second unit.

“I came out here for a little bit before I made my decision and it was great,” Hartenstein said when he initially made the roster. “The organization, top to bottom. The way they played, T Lue just letting the guys play free and I think that was one of the biggest things for me was just finding someone that also lets me play my game, I think. With Denver and the Rockets I was really looking over my shoulder every game and it’s hard to play like that and so now being in a situation where I can just play my game and do whatever the team needs to win.”

Hartenstein has averaged 7.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game for the Clippers on 66 percent shooting for the Clippers. He hasn't started any games for LA, but has provided a necessary spark.

Article Continues Below
More Clippers News
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has some newcomers via the 2025 NBA Draft class.
LA Clippers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the third quarter at Chase Center.
James Harden declines $36.3M option, plans to return to Clippers on 2-year dealTomer Azarly ·
Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) warms up before game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden with the Clippers logo in the background and the Spurs logo in the background
NBA rumors: Clippers to battle Spurs for Celtics free agentJosue Pavon ·
San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul (3) looks on during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
NBA rumors: Chris Paul reunion with Suns or Clippers is a possibilityTroy Finnegan ·
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) dribbles during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
NBA rumors: Could Bulls, Clippers be Celtics options for Anfernee Simons trade?Owen Crisafulli ·
Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) reacts after missing a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Clippers’ Nicolas Batum declines player option, but there’s a catchAbdullah Imran ·

In five-man lineups that have played at least 27 minutes, the two with the highest net rating of +34.7 and +31.2 points per 100 possessions both include Hartenstein. It's not a big sample size, but the amount of injuries and absences the Clippers have had due to health and safety protocols makes it tough.

“I think I believe in myself a lot,” Hartenstein said. “I think T-Lue’s done a great job giving me confidence. Everyone in general. I think, playing with PG, then what you said, Luke’s been easy. T-Mann. I think it’s us, coming in, bringing energy, made my life a lot easier. And I’ve really enjoyed being with.”

Hartenstein has been dealing with an ankle sprain for the last couple of weeks. He's missed the last nine games for the Clippers since suffering the injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 18th.