Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Isaiah Hartenstein

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 26, 2026

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

Isaiah Hartenstein is a 7-foot American-German professional basketball player who currently plays center for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Joined QTSV Quakenbrück/Artland Dragons Youth Teams

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

2013: German Championship and 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: FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship

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

2014: Jordan Brand Classic International Game Selection

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

February 1, 2015: Bundesliga Debut

On February 1, 2015, Hartenstein, at 16 years old, made his debut in Germany's top-tier level Basketball Bundesliga, playing 1:12 minutes against Eisbären Bremerhaven.

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

In August 2015, Hartenstein signed with Lithuanian powerhouse Žalgiris Kaunas but remained with the Artland Dragons on loan, averaging 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds in 14 games.

2015: FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship

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

January 2016: Leaves Artland Dragons for Žalgiris Kaunas

In January 2016, Hartenstein decided to leave the Artland Dragons to 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: LKL Debut

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

2016: FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship "All-Star Five"

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

April 7, 2017: Nike Hoop Summit Appearance

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 the 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, Hartenstein was selected with the 43rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets.

August 2017: Debut with German National Team

In August 2017, Hartenstein made his debut with the German men's national team and took part in EuroBasket 2017, averaging 4.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

2017: Lithuanian League Championship

In 2017, Isaiah Hartenstein won a Lithuanian League championship with Zalgiris Kaunas.

2017: NBA G League stats

In 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.

July 25, 2018: Signed with the Houston Rockets

On July 25, 2018, the Houston Rockets officially signed Hartenstein.

2018: G League championship

In the 2018–19 season, Hartenstein won the NBA G League championship with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

February 7, 2019: First Career Triple-Double

On February 7, 2019, Hartenstein recorded his first career triple-double with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 103–102 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 Hartenstein.

November 30, 2020: Signed with Denver Nuggets

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

March 25, 2021: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers

On March 25, 2021, Hartenstein was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for center JaVale McGee.

September 27, 2021: Signed with Los Angeles Clippers

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

July 12, 2022: Signed with New York Knicks

On July 12, 2022, 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, Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2024: Signed with the Thunder

In 2024, Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder

November 7, 2025: Career High Points

On November 7, 2025, Hartenstein recorded a career-high 33 points, as well as 19 rebounds and three blocks in a 132–101 victory over the Sacramento Kings.