Isaiah Hartenstein is on the brink of making history. With the Oklahoma City Thunder advancing to the 2025 NBA Finals, the German-American center has the chance to become only the second German player to win an NBA championship—following in the footsteps of Dirk Nowitzki, who led the Dallas Mavericks to victory in 2011.
Hartenstein has played a crucial role in Oklahoma City’s success this season. After being acquired from the New York Knicks, he quickly established himself as a key contributor, providing defensive presence, rebounding, and playmaking for a Thunder team that finished with the best regular-season record in the NBA (68-14).
In the Western Conference Finals, Hartenstein helped the Thunder dominate the Minnesota Timberwolves, securing a 4-1 series victory to punch their ticket to the Finals. His ability to protect the rim, set screens, and crashing the boards, has made him an invaluable piece of Oklahoma City’s championship puzzle.
Germany has produced several talented NBA players, but only one—Dirk Nowitzki—has won an NBA title. Nowitzki’s legendary 2011 championship run with the Mavericks cemented his status as one of the greatest international players of all time. Now, Hartenstein has the opportunity to join Nowitzki in the history books as the second German to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
While Hartenstein’s role differs from Nowitzki’s—he is more of a defensive anchor and role player rather than a primary scorer—his impact on the Thunder’s success cannot be understated. His versatility and leadership have helped Oklahoma City emerge as a legitimate title contender.
During a media call ahead of the NBA Finals, upon asked by OpenCourt-Basketball’s Aurelia Rieke, Hartenstein himself revealed just how much of an honor it would be for him to not only become the second German to win the NBA championship, but also to win in for Germany:
“For me it would definitely be an honor for Germany, because it’s not just for me now, not just for OKC; if I won it would be something cool for Germany as well. I also play for it, for Germany, so it would be an honor to win a title and do it for Germany as well.”
Hartenstein hat Bock der 2. Deutsche Spieler nach Dirk Nowitzki zu werden, der einen NBA Titel gewinnt:
“Es wäre eine Ehre einen Titel zu gewinnen und es auch für Deutschland zu tun.“ pic.twitter.com/OiMg3WpMCO
— Len Werle (@RealLennyCarlos) June 2, 2025
The Thunder will face the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, with Game 1 set for June 5 in Oklahoma City. The matchup presents a unique challenge, as Indiana boasts a deep roster led by Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. However, with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and Hartenstein providing defensive stability, the Thunder are well-positioned to compete for the championship.
For Hartenstein, this moment represents more than just a chance to win a ring—it’s an opportunity to solidify his legacy as one of Germany’s most successful basketball players. If he can help Oklahoma City secure the title, he will forever be remembered alongside Nowitzki as a German NBA champion.
