What path in the NBA for Isaiah Hartenstein ! The new pivot of the Thunder will have taken six years to prove that he had his place in the most prestigious league in the world, going through a series of emotional elevators, between his debut in Houston from 2018 to 2020, before going through experiences more or less complicated between Denver, Cleveland then the Clippers.
It was ultimately in the most tense environment in the league that he managed to make his mark between 2022 and 2024, at the Knicks, where his “Energizer” profile quickly won over the public at Madison Square Garden. These two seasons allowed him to gain credibility and above all to sign a great contract after having struggled quite a bit on this level too. After having pocketed 22.6 million dollars in his career over six years, he is now at almost 30 million per season over the next three years!
Difficult to leave the basketball Mecca
A new status that he owes to the generosity of OKC, which pulled out all the stops to encourage him to leave the Knicks, who offered him nearly fifteen million dollars less on a four-year contract. Asked by Andscape on his choice to try a new adventure at the Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein admitted to having left the unique atmosphere of the Garden reluctantly.
“It was incredible to play in the Mecca of basketball, to play big games, especially in the playoffs. With Jalen Brunson, when we came in, it changed the dynamic around the team a little bit. It was great. Playing in Madison Square Garden has always been special. And playing for the Knicks was a really special experience.”he admitted.
More money and an exciting sporting challenge
Like many others before him, the 26-year-old center admitted to having also thought about securing his future and that of his family financially, even if the sporting challenge was also more than interesting, since the Thunder are currently first in the conference West. He quickly found his place there by averaging a double-double, like his last match with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists against New Orleans.
“It was hard to leave. It was not an easy decision. I really enjoyed being there and I loved my teammates”he added. “If it wasn't for going to a place like OKC, I don't think I would have left. But you also have to think about the fact that it’s a business at the end of the day. It wasn't like I had a $100 million contract before this one. I had to make sure I kept my family safe.”
More than anything, this new contract of 87 million over three years allowed him to measure the progress made since his arrival in the NBA on tiptoe, until this personal achievement. His work and determination were ultimately rewarded, and this remains his greatest victory.
“The moment I signed the contract, it was special. After struggling in the NBA, being sent to the G-League with the Rockets, being sent back to constantly having to prove myself. it was never easy. I didn't feel it as a release, but rather excitement. I feel like I've never been able to take my foot off the gas. But the work paid off in the end, even if it took a little longer than I thought.”he continued. “It was an incredible experience, going through minimum contracts, contracts only for Clippers training camp… Going through all that, it’s been a great little adventure. Often, we don't really realize what we are going through. But now looking back, I wouldn’t have changed it for the world, whether on or off the pitch.”
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | HOU | 28 | 8 | 48.8 | 33.3 | 78.6 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 1.9 |
| 2019-20 | HOU | 23 | 12 | 65.7 | 0.0 | 67.9 | 1.3 | 2.7 | 3.9 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 4.7 |
| 2020-21 * | All Teams | 46 | 12 | 55.0 | 33.3 | 64.8 | 1.4 | 2.5 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 5.1 |
| 2020-21 * | DEN | 30 | 9 | 51.3 | 0.0 | 61.1 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 3.5 |
| 2020-21 * | KEY | 16 | 18 | 58.2 | 33.3 | 68.6 | 1.6 | 4.4 | 6.0 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 8.2 |
| 2021-22 | LAKE | 68 | 18 | 62.6 | 46.7 | 68.9 | 1.7 | 3.2 | 4.9 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 8.3 |
| 2022-23 | NYK | 82 | 20 | 53.5 | 21.6 | 67.6 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 6.5 | 1.2 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 5.0 |
| 2023-24 | NYK | 75 | 25 | 64.4 | 33.3 | 70.7 | 3.3 | 5.1 | 8.3 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 7.8 |
| 2024-25 | OKC | 8 | 30 | 56.9 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 3.1 | 9.6 | 12.8 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 1.2 | 11.8 |
| Total | 330 | 18 | 59.5 | 30.0 | 68.6 | 2.2 | 3.6 | 5.8 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 6.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
