Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Isaiah Hartenstein

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Isaiah Hartenstein made an impact.

Isaiah Hartenstein is a German-American professional basketball player currently playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. Known for his size, rebounding, and passing ability for a big man, Hartenstein has carved out a role as a valuable role player. His journey includes stints with several NBA teams, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to contribute in various team environments. Hartenstein's game is characterized by his high motor, defensive presence, and improving offensive skills, making him a promising player in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Joined QTSV Quakenbrück/Artland Dragons

In 2009, Isaiah Hartenstein continued his youth career by joining the youth teams of QTSV Quakenbrück/Artland Dragons after his father signed to play with the Artland Dragons.

2013: Won German Championship and Named MVP

In 2013, Hartenstein led the Artland Dragons' junior team to a German championship in the Under-16 Bundesliga JBBL and was named Most Valuable Player, averaging 20.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.9 steals, and 1.9 blocks.

2014: Played in Jordan Brand Classic International Game

In 2014, Hartenstein was selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic International Game, where he recorded four points and five rebounds in 18 minutes.

2014: Represented Germany at FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship

In 2014, Isaiah Hartenstein represented Germany at the FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship.

February 1, 2015: Bundesliga Debut

On February 1, 2015, Isaiah Hartenstein, at 16 years old, debuted in Germany's top-tier level Basketball Bundesliga, playing for 1 minute and 12 seconds against Eisbären Bremerhaven.

August 2015: Signed with Žalgiris Kaunas and Loaned to Artland Dragons

In August 2015, Hartenstein signed with Lithuanian powerhouse Žalgiris Kaunas but remained with the Artland Dragons on loan, where he played 14 games and averaged 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 assists.

2015: Represented Germany at FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship

In 2015, Isaiah Hartenstein represented Germany at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.

January 2016: Left Artland Dragons to Join Žalgiris Kaunas

In January 2016, Hartenstein decided to leave the Artland Dragons and officially join Žalgiris Kaunas.

February 2016: Attended Basketball Without Borders Global Camp

In February 2016, Hartenstein attended the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto, Canada.

September 28, 2016: Žalgiris Debut

On September 28, 2016, Hartenstein made his debut for Žalgiris in Lithuania's top-flight league, the LKL, against Šiauliai.

2016: Named to All-Star Five at FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship

In 2016, Hartenstein helped carry Germany to a fourth-place finish at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, averaging team-highs of 14.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.7 steals a contest, which earned him a spot in the tournament's "All-Star Five".

April 7, 2017: Played at Nike Hoop Summit

On April 7, 2017, Hartenstein scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds in 19 minutes of play at the Nike Hoop Summit.

April 22, 2017: Declared for 2017 NBA Draft

On April 22, 2017, Hartenstein declared for the 2017 NBA draft.

June 22, 2017: Drafted by Houston Rockets

On June 22, 2017, Isaiah Hartenstein was selected with the 43rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets and subsequently competed for the team in the 2017 NBA Summer League.

August 2017: Debut with German Men's National Team

In August 2017, Hartenstein debuted with the German men's national team and participated in EuroBasket 2017, averaging 4.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

2017: Played in NBA G League

During the 2017-18 campaign, Hartenstein appeared in 38 games of the NBA G League, averaging 9.5 points and 6.6 rebounds a contest for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

2017: Won Lithuanian League Championship

In 2017, Isaiah Hartenstein won a Lithuanian League Championship while playing for Zalgiris Kaunas. In the same year, he was drafted into the NBA by the Houston Rockets as the 43rd overall pick.

July 25, 2018: Signed with Houston Rockets

On July 25, 2018, Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Houston Rockets.

2018: NBA G League Champion

In the 2018–19 season, Hartenstein won the NBA G League championship with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He also won the NBA G League Finals MVP award.

February 7, 2019: Recorded First Career Triple-Double

On February 7, 2019, Isaiah Hartenstein recorded his first career triple-double after posting 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 103–102 road win against the Salt Lake City Stars.

June 23, 2020: Waived by Houston Rockets

On June 23, 2020, the Houston Rockets announced that they had waived Isaiah Hartenstein.

November 30, 2020: Signed with Denver Nuggets

On November 30, 2020, the Denver Nuggets announced that they had signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a multi-year contract.

March 25, 2021: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers

On March 25, 2021, Isaiah Hartenstein and two future second-round picks were traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for center JaVale McGee.

September 27, 2021: Signed with Los Angeles Clippers

On September 27, 2021, Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.

July 12, 2022: Signed with New York Knicks

On July 12, 2022, Isaiah Hartenstein signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the New York Knicks.

July 6, 2024: Signed with Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 6, 2024, Isaiah Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

November 20, 2024: Thunder Debut

On November 20, 2024, Hartenstein made his Thunder debut, putting up 13 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and three assists in a 109–99 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.