Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has declared his intention to rejoin the German national basketball team (DBB-Team) in August, marking his return after a significant hiatus.
During a media session shortly before the NBA playoffs, the OKC star was questioned about a potential comeback for the German national team. When asked about the likelihood of ‘I-Hart’ playing for the DBB-Team again soon, he responded unequivocally: «High!»
The big man elaborated, stating: «I’ve already spoken with the coach of the German national team. I will be participating in the qualification round, which will likely take place in August.»
He made it clear that regardless of his health status or role on the court, he wants to spend time with the team: «Whether I play or am simply present – in my current situation, I consider it very important to just be more with the team and develop chemistry.»
Hartenstein has not played for the national team in a considerable time. His last appearance in the DBB jersey was during the World Cup qualifiers in February 2018. In 2017, he participated in the European Championship, which was his first and, until now, his last significant international appearance.
I-Hart also missed the EuroBasket 2025 title bid. He had previously canceled his participation in the European Championship as the reigning NBA champion due to Achilles tendon issues. Although he emphasized at the time that the national team was «very important» to him, his subsequent statements sparked discussion.
«I’ve always wanted to play for the national team. But if I’m honest: My childhood dream, as I was growing up, was always the NBA,» Hartenstein had said. «And if you’re honest: The national team doesn’t feed your family. It’s a bit different than in football,» Hartenstein had explained.
The 27-year-old has now reiterated his stance: «It was always very important for me to establish myself in the NBA. That has always been my dream since I was little, and I simply wanted to provide for my family and be in a situation where I was established.»
In the past, injuries repeatedly thwarted his plans, but as a key player for the defending champions and this year’s title favorites, his dream has come true in recent years: «And that’s why now is the perfect time.»
Besides Hartenstein, several other national players are currently competing in the NBA and still have hopes for a championship. Captain Dennis Schröder is also dreaming of a title with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tristan da Silva, Franz, and Moritz Wagner, however, are battling for a playoff spot with the Orlando Magic. After a disappointing season, they must defeat the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night to qualify for the first round of the postseason as the eighth seed in the East.
Maxi Kleber (Los Angeles Lakers) had recently definitively ruled out a return to the national team. However, youngster Ariel Hukporti (New York Knicks) has expressed his ambition to make his debut with the senior team soon: «Next time, I will play 100 percent. I won’t miss this again,» explained the center, who missed EuroBasket due to injury.
English Translation:
NBA Star Isaiah Hartenstein Announces National Team Comeback After Eight Years
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein intends to rejoin the German national team in August after a long break.
In a media session shortly before the NBA playoffs, the OKC star was asked about a potential comeback for the German national team. When questioned about the chances of ‘I-Hart’ playing for the DBB team again soon, he answered clearly: «High!»
The big man further explained: «I have already spoken with the coach of the German national team. I will be there for the qualification round, which will likely take place in August.»
He made it clear that regardless of his health status and role, he wants to spend time with the team: «Whether I play or am simply there – in my current situation, I think it’s very important to just be more with the team and develop chemistry.»
Hartenstein has not played for the national team in a long time. His last appearance in the DBB jersey was in February 2018 during World Cup qualifiers. In 2017, he participated in the European Championship. It was his first and last appearance on the major international stage.
I-Hart also missed the EuroBasket 2025 title. He had previously canceled his participation in the European Championship as the reigning NBA champion due to Achilles tendon problems. While he emphasized at the time that the national team was «very important» to him, his subsequent statements caused discussion.
«I have always wanted to play for the national team. But if I’m honest: My childhood dream, when I was growing up, was always the NBA,» Hartenstein said. «And if you’re honest: The national team doesn’t feed your family. It’s a bit different than in football,» Hartenstein had explained.
The 27-year-old has now reaffirmed his position: «It has always been very important for me to establish myself in the NBA. That has always been my dream since I was little, and I simply wanted to provide for my family and be in a situation where I had established myself.»
In the past, injuries repeatedly thwarted his plans, but as a key player for the defending champions and this year’s title favorites, his dream has come true in recent years: «And that’s why now is the perfect time.»
Besides Hartenstein, several other national players are currently playing in the NBA and can still hope for a championship. Captain Dennis Schröder also dreams of the title with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tristan da Silva, Franz, and Moritz Wagner, however, are fighting for a playoff spot. After a disappointing season, they must beat the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night to qualify for the first round of the postseason as the eighth seed in the East.
Maxi Kleber (Los Angeles Lakers) had recently definitively ruled out a comeback to the national team. Youngster Ariel Hukporti (New York Knicks), on the other hand, has expressed ambition to make his debut with the men’s team soon: «Next time, I will play one hundred percent. I won’t miss this again,» explained the center, who missed EuroBasket due to injury.