Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein spoke candidly about the team’s growth, shared sacrifice, and the road to the 2025 NBA Finals during media availability this week.
Hartenstein praised the Thunder’s internal culture, likening it to an AAU team with no individual agendas.
“I think we have a unique core of guys that are very close,” he said. “We’re so supportive of each other… that’s what makes us pretty unique.”
The veteran big man credited head of basketball operations Sam Presti for assembling a roster that fits both on and off the court.
“Ever since I got here, I think it starts with Sam, how he puts everyone together,” he said. “He built the right culture.”
Now four wins away from a championship, Hartenstein said Oklahoma City is focused on the present.
“We have a zero-zero mindset,” he said. “The Denver series probably helped us the most… we didn’t execute at the end [of some games], so I think being in those situations helped us get better.”
Reflecting on his own path, Hartenstein noted the contrast between his G League Finals MVP from 2020 and his current role in the NBA Finals.
“I think four years ago I was in the G League Finals,” he said. “Now being in an opportunity to be here… it’s something special.”
Hartenstein said he drew motivation from players like Draymond Green while refining his defensive game and embracing accountability during earlier career struggles.
“I really just sat down, watched a lot of film, watched a lot of Draymond,” he said. “He helped me a lot defensively.”
With Indiana next on the schedule, Hartenstein pointed to the Pacers’ tempo as their most dangerous weapon.
“The main thing we have to focus on is just their pace,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing.”
He also reflected on representing Germany on basketball’s biggest stage, citing Dirk Nowitzki as a major inspiration.
“Just being able to be in this situation where you can play… for the country back home—it means a lot,” he said.
Asked whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be the league’s next face, Hartenstein didn’t hesitate.
“What he does on and off the court—you can’t say enough about it,” he said. “He kind of does nothing wrong.”
The Thunder will host Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
