Cleveland Cavaliers: 2 goals for Isaiah Hartenstein in 2021-22

Goal #1 for Hartenstein for next season for the Cavs: Average 9.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game

Hartenstein had 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks in 17.9 minutes per outing in 16 appearances following the 2021 trade deadline with the Cavaliers.

Before he ended up missing most of Cleveland’s closing batch of games of the season due to a concussion, he was making his presence felt on the interior on both ends, and offensively, he did a nice job as a finisher inside and as a rotational roller/screener.

So next season, again provided he’s back with the Cavs, the first goal to me for him would be to, in perhaps a similar minutes-share, to have 9.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

To me, particularly in spurts against bench bigs, and regardless, really, with the touch Hartenstein displayed with both hands on the interior, and with him having some post-up viability after early-clock seals, he could do his share of damage in spurts offensively.

And with his chemistry developing more with other pieces on the Cavaliers off the bench, he could get some high percentage looks game-to-game via some lobs from Darius Garland/others and again with his finishing via hooks/push shots, that scoring goal doesn’t seem unrealistic for the 7-footer.

As far as the rebounding element, Hartenstein had 6.0 boards in roughly 18 minutes per contest last season, and in relief of Jarrett Allen, with Hartenstein’s positioning, I don’t think that suggested clip is far-fetched.

Even for his size, his feel for getting to the ball off the glass on both ends shouldn’t be discounted, and he typically does a nice job of getting to the ball to key perimeter threats after defensive rebounds.

Plus, after offensive rebounds, he does a commendable job with his timing in at times hitting catch-and-shoot threats before defenses can reset too, for what it’s worth. Hopefully that can play out next season as well.