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 professional basketball player who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He holds both American and German citizenship and represents the Germany men's national basketball team in international competitions. A skilled big man, he is known for his rebounding, passing, and defensive abilities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Joined Artland Dragons

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

February 1, 2015: Basketball Bundesliga Debut

On February 1, 2015, at 16 years old, Hartenstein debuted in Germany's top-tier level Basketball Bundesliga, playing briefly 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, after their relegation to the 2. Bundesliga ProB.

January 2016: Joined Žalgiris Kaunas

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

September 28, 2016: Debut for Žalgiris

On September 28, 2016, Hartenstein debuted for Žalgiris in the LKL against Šiauliai.

April 22, 2017: Declared for the 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: German National Team Debut

In August 2017, Hartenstein debuted with the German men's national team and participated in EuroBasket 2017.

2017: Played in NBA G League

In the 2017–18 campaign, Hartenstein played in 38 games in the NBA G League, averaging 9.5 points and 6.6 rebounds for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

July 25, 2018: Signed with the Houston Rockets

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

2018: NBA G League championship

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

February 7, 2019: Recorded First Triple-Double

On February 7, 2019, Hartenstein recorded his first career triple-double with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win against the Salt Lake City Stars.

June 23, 2020: Waived by the Houston Rockets

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

November 30, 2020: Signed with the Denver Nuggets

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

March 25, 2021: Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers

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

September 27, 2021: Signed with the Los Angeles Clippers

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

July 12, 2022: Signed with the 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 the Oklahoma City Thunder

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

November 20, 2024: Thunder Debut

On November 20, 2024, Hartenstein debuted with the Thunder, recording 13 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and three assists in a win against the Portland Trail Blazers.