The Oklahoma City Thunder will enter the 2025-26 regular season as the reigning NBA champions. Fresh off one of the greatest years ever, it’ll be quite the feat to follow up on what they accomplished. They had a historic 68-14 record and brought home the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Celebrating their NBA championship, the Thunder made quick work of their offseason tasks. They signed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to contract extensions. That should keep OKC in the title picture for the foreseeable future.

To prepare for the 2025-26 regular season, Thunder Wire will break down all five positional groups. Here’s what they have to look forward to from their center position:

Starter: Isaiah Hartenstein

Safe to say Hartenstein had a successful first season with the Thunder. The biggest free-agent addition in OKC history enjoyed a career season that finished with a ring. He averaged career highs across the board as a double-double machine. He graduated as a starter. It was the double-big lineup that led them to the Larry O’Brien trophy. He was the perfect veteran to complement the rest of the team.

Now, it’s about replicating that success. Both parties would benefit from a similar campaign. The Thunder would get production from one of the better centers. Meanwhile, Hartenstein could leverage another strong season on a title contender for a payday this upcoming offseason if his team option is declined. There were different answers for OKC’s fifth starter spot, but it was the seven-footer who started most of their playoff run.

Depth behind Hartenstein

The Thunder have one of the deepest center rooms in the league. Even though it’s no longer his primary position, Holmgren should spend around half of his minutes at the center spot. After all, they dominated when he was the center, and the rest of the lineup was filled with traditional players. Aside from that, though, Jaylin Williams is one of the better third-string centers. He can stretch the floor and serve as a facilitator. He gives them another offensive option.

It could’ve been an important year for Thomas Sorber, but a torn ACL has knocked him out of the entire season. Such a shame, as the Thunder hoped he could show enough flashes to pencil him in as their long-term backup center. Branden Carlson is somebody else they really like. He was brought back on a two-way deal. He’s a stretch center who can shoot from the outside.