Isaiah Hartenstein and the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to be the targets in the NBA this season, but the odds of the German player securing a second championship ring perhaps look promising.
The German NBA champion is not only excited about his new role but also about receiving the prestigious championship ring from last season’s victory when the Thunder kick off their new season against the Houston Rockets. The ring ceremony will take place at Paycom Arena, marking a significant moment for Hartenstein, who reflected, “I am really looking forward to it. It will remind me of what I have achieved. I dreamed of this moment back in my small hometown of Quakenbrück, and now it’s finally here.”
After overcoming the Indiana Pacers in a dramatic seven-game series last June, Hartenstein became just the second German to win an NBA championship after Dirk Nowitzki in 2011. This season, the 27-year-old has the chance to accomplish what even Nowitzki could not: a successful title defense and a second ring for his collection, as the Thunder are once again considered the top favorites to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
However, Hartenstein emphasizes the importance of starting fresh, noting that the team is now seen as the hunted. “We are starting from zero again. That was the first thing our coach, Mark Daigneault, told us at the start of training. Everyone wants to beat the reigning champion,” he said. He acknowledged the thrill of being a champion and the ambition of the younger teammates eager to prove themselves.
The Thunder boast one of the best and deepest rosters in the league, as they retain all their key players, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Analysts currently suggest that only the Denver Nuggets, bolstered by star Nikola Jokic, could pose a serious challenge to Hartenstein and his squad this season.
In preparation for this title defense, Hartenstein temporarily set aside basketball commitments for four weeks due to Achilles tendon issues, missing the European Championship. Instead, he took the championship trophy back to Germany to inspire the next generation of basketball players while indulging in his favorite döner kebab. “I’ve been in Germany for eight days and have had döner four or five times. I haven’t found a good spot in the U.S., neither in Oklahoma nor in New York,” Hartenstein shared. Soon after his culinary adventures, he returned to his fitness regimen in Los Angeles, training with his father and teammate Chet Holmgren, all in the pursuit of that elusive second ring.
The excitement continues to build as the Thunder prepare for their opening match against the Rockets, with high hopes for the season ahead.