Isaiah Hartenstein, the center for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has made a significant move in his career by joining the ownership group of Ratiopharm Ulm, the reigning champions of the German Bundesliga. This rare step for an active NBA player highlights Hartenstein's deep ties to German basketball, stemming from his upbringing and family background in the sport. His father, Florian Hartenstein, is a seasoned basketball coach and former player, which undoubtedly influenced Isaiah's passion for the game.
Before entering the NBA, Hartenstein was immersed in the German basketball scene, having played for QTSV Quakenbrück. His selection as the No. 43 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft marked the beginning of his professional journey in the United States. Hartenstein's involvement with Ratiopharm Ulm is not just a personal investment; it reflects his desire to give back to the community that shaped him. He expressed a commitment to fostering young talent, recognizing the importance of development in the sport.
Hartenstein's comments reveal his admiration for Ulm's approach to nurturing players and maintaining competitiveness. He sees this role as a way to contribute to the legacy of German players in the NBA, following in the footsteps of legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schröder. While his primary focus remains on his career with the Thunder, this new venture allows him to engage with the sport on a different level, satisfying his ambition to support the next generation of basketball players.
