Hartenstein Aims to Lead Germany to World Cup and Olympic Success
Isaiah Hartenstein, a 27-year-old professional basketball player, is setting his sights on leading the German national team to success in upcoming international competitions. He aims to participate in the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Commitment to the National Team
In a recent interview with Sport Bild, Hartenstein expressed his strong desire to represent Germany on the global stage. He mentioned that he had conveyed this commitment to national coach Alex Mumbru during a visit last season in Oklahoma.
Physical Condition and NBA Contract
- Hartenstein reports feeling physically fit.
- His contract situation in the NBA is secure.
He emphasized his eagerness to contribute as much as possible during this critical period leading up to the Olympic Games.
National Team Achievements
Germany’s national basketball team recently achieved significant success, winning gold at the 2023 World Cup and the European Championship in Riga. However, Hartenstein missed these tournaments due to Achilles tendon issues following an intense NBA Finals series against the Indiana Pacers.
His last appearance for the national team was in 2018, but he aims for a triumphant return at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Upcoming NBA Season
The NBA season is set to begin on October 21, 2025, featuring an in-season tournament from mid-November to December. The All-Star Weekend is scheduled for February 13-15, 2026, followed by the start of the playoffs in mid-April 2026 and the finals in June 2026.
Defending the Title
As a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hartenstein is focused on successfully defending their title. He acknowledges that the team will be a target this season, stating, “We start again at zero. Our coach, Mark Daigneault, reminded us of this at the beginning of training. Everyone wants to beat the reigning champion.”
Despite being champions, he highlighted the team’s confidence and hunger to repeat their success.
Broadcasting Information
Sky Sport will air NBA games live this season, including multiple preseason games. The regular season opener on October 21 will also be broadcast live.
