OKLAHOMA CITY (United States) - Isaiah Hartenstein is back with Germany, and the NBA big man is making it clear that his return is more than adding another chapter to his international career.
After more than eight years away, Hartenstein is genuinely excited to represent Germany again, having last played for the national team in February 2018, when he featured in a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers game against Georgia.
He is expected to make his return for the opening window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers Second Round, starting on August 27 when Germany host the Netherlands in Cologne.
His absence, he says, was never down to a lack of desire. Instead, injuries and gruelling rehabilitation disrupted several summers; that was ultimately what prevented him from joining the reigning World and European champions, despite his wish to do so.
I've always wanted to play and give something back. I'm very happy to be back.
"I'm really happy; I actually wanted to play for the last two years," Hartenstein said to German media outlet Basketball-world.news.
"I'm always honest about this: for the first four or five years, I had to prove myself in the NBA. It was important to me what the teams thought and how I could establish myself there. I was often told I should stay and train. But now that I'm firmly established in the NBA and have found my role, I've always wanted to play and give something back. I'm very happy to be back."
Hartenstein has long wanted to return to the national team and give something back to German basketball, but the timing wasn't right. However, his motivation goes beyond his own ambitions.
His motivation also extends to helping the national program grow and creating a culture that can inspire the next generation.
That bigger picture matters to him, too. Hartenstein hopes basketball will continue to become an even bigger sport in Germany, creating opportunities for young players - including his own son one day.
“Many in Germany might see things a little differently and think I haven't shown enough commitment,” he reveals.
“But behind the scenes, I try to give back to German basketball as much as possible. I've simply had a lot of bad luck some summers with injuries and rehabilitation.
“At the end of the day, I want to play - and not just for myself. I want to help the next generation and push German basketball so that when my son hopefully starts playing someday, the sport will be even bigger. I want people to be able to look back and say: We really did something for German basketball."
Having played for multiple NBA teams, Hartenstein believes he has also developed the adaptability needed to slot seamlessly into Germany’s established system. That should be particularly valuable with a German team that already has a strong identity and chemistry.
“The way I play makes life easier for my teammates,” Hartenstein explained. “With the guys we have on the roster, there's no one who's difficult to play with anyway. It won't be hard for me. I know how to interact with others, how to integrate myself, and how much or how little is expected of me.”
"Yes, we're looking ahead to the World Cup next year. We want to build that team chemistry and just be together."
Isaiah Hartenstein
With the World Cup on the horizon, the timing of his return feels right, as he looks to be part of the team ready to defend their title in Qatar.
"Yes, we're looking ahead to the World Cup next year. We want to build that team chemistry and just be together,” Hartenstein revealed. “During the NBA season, you never have the time to talk to each other that much and really develop that chemistry.”
For Hartenstein, the road back to Germany is about commitment, connection and looking ahead. After a long wait, he is ready to play for his country again — and to help build what comes next.
FIBA