After being excited to represent his country for the first time in almost a decade, Isaiah Hartenstein will have to wait a little bit longer to suit up for Germany on the international stage. He will miss their two-game 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifier window with an ankle injury.
The German Basketball Federation announced the injury update this past Monday. It revealed that after consulting with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the best course of action is to heal his ankle. He'll remain with Germany to build up a rapport and support his home country as it has a few games to play at the end of the month.
Germany is set to face the Netherlands on Thursday, Aug. 27 and Poland on Sunday, Aug. 30. Germany enters the next stage with a 5-1 record and in third
place in Group K. Odds are, it will likely qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. As a reminder, Germany won the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Other notable NBA players are Dennis Schroder and Tristan da Silva.
Such a shame that Hartenstein won't be able to play for Germany. The last time that happened was in 2018. Since then, he's turned into one of the best centers in the NBA after a journeyman-esque start to his career. Settled in OKC, he's become a key piece of the 2025 NBA champion and the perennial title contender. The double-double machine has enjoyed his best years there over the last two seasons. He re-signed on a three-year, $75 contract this summer.
It makes sense for the Thunder to recommend Hartenstein sit this summer out. With the games happening in late August, there's little incentive to push his body with NBA training camp right around the corner in late September. After getting a new deal, OKC has cemented his importance to its success over the last two seasons. Can't risk your health over a couple of games that Germany should handle without him.
Will be interesting to see if Hartenstein suits up for Germany in the 2027 FIBA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics — barring their qualification. They're one of the best programs on the international stage and have amazing continuity. But there's no denying he'd be a huge talent upgrade in their frontcourt room.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Isaiah Hartenstein to sit out Germany's FIBA window with ankle injury
