Latest news with #IsaiahHartenstein


Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How Isaiah Hartenstein's ethnicity reveal kicked off his bromance with Paul George
How Isaiah Hartenstein's ethnicity reveal kicked off his bromance with Paul George (Image Credit: Getty Images) Very few people know that Isaiah Hartenstein's ethnicity is partly African-American. Even his teammate from the LA Clippers days, Paul George, had no clue. But when Hartenstein's startling ethnicity revelation happened (thanks to his IG photo), an instant bromance brewed between him and Paul George. Hartenstein went back to the moment in the new episode of Podcast P with Paul George, where he said, 'That man's whole energy changed towards me.' Hartenstein and other participants had a hearty laugh when he shared that Paul George's handshakes became warmer. Their greetings changed from 'Hey, What's up Bro?' to 'What's up my, Ni***?' Isaiah's appearance confuses everybody as he has taken his looks from his mother, who is of American nationality, whereas his father is African-American. Isaiah Hartenstein shared how his ethnicity made Paul George and his bond stronger Isaiah Hartenstein will talk about the bromance between him and Paul George in the upcoming episode of Podcast P with Paul George on YouTube (3:50). The love between them was not developed instantly. Isaiah took a hilarious dig at Pau George during the podcast, claiming George's attitude changed once he became aware of his mixed ethnicity. The whole conversation took place in a very lighter note, where the participants were seen laughing over developments that led to changed dynamics between Isaiah and George. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In the snippets from the podcast shared on Podcast P with Paul George's X, the moment when Paul George realized his teammate's ethnicity, he grew fonder of him, per Isaiah. None of the participants seemed to be of a different opinion, and they all laughed together over George's startled reaction when he saw Isaiah's IG photo with his father for the first time. Catch the whole conversation here: Paul George & Isaiah Hartenstein on Brilliance of SGA, Stephen A's Diss & OKC's Dynasty Potential Isaiah Hartenstein's parents played a vital role in developing his NBA career Isaiah Hartenstein grew up watching his father play basketball. His father played professional basketball in Germany while staying alone there. The family continued to live in Oregon. For a better family atmosphere, they all moved to Germany in 2008. Talking about the father's influence, Florian told Bleacher Report in 2017, 'We had a basketball carpet in the house. We had a basketball hoop, all that kind of stuff.' Interview met Florian en Isaiah Hartenstein He elaborated, '[Basketball] was always part of it. And then once he came over to Germany, again he was in the gym all the time. I had the chance to coach him after that a little bit. And so, we were a basketball family. He never really had a chance to not play." Theresa, Isaiah's mother also pitched in the conversation saying that Isaiah preferred a ball over toys when he was a child. If the conversation has made readers curious about Isaiah, here are some unknown facts revealed about Isaiah and his family. FAQS about Isaiah Hartenstein Who are Isaiah Hartenstein's parents? Isaiah Hartenstein's father is Florian Hartenstein, who played basketball professionally in Germany and later worked as a coach. Isaiah Hartenstein's mother is Theresa Hartenstein, who worked as a dance coach. Isaiah owes his NBA career to his exposure to the game during his formative years, as his father had all the resources for practice and pursuit at home. What ethnicity are Isaiah Hartenstein's parents? Isaiah Hartenstein's father is African-American and German. Whereas his mother, Theresa, is a white American. What is Isaiah Hartenstein's nationality? Isaiah Hartenstein holds German nationality, per DW's report. In this report dated June 23, 2025, it is mentioned that he became the second German to win a championship when his current team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, emerged winner. Also Read: Game 4 starter Isaiah Hartenstein's Jesus Tattoo has again caught fans' attention, sparking huge conversation Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


USA Today
15-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How Mark Daigneault uses Mother Nature to motivate Thunder in championship season
Fresh off an NBA championship, Isaiah Hartenstein has had the chance to run some victory laps. His first year on the Oklahoma City Thunder was a smashing success. He was a key player in their playoff run that ended with a title and ring. Hartenstein enjoyed a career season with 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds. Both were the best marks he's averaged after carving out a career from a possible journeyman to one of the better starting centers. Paired with Chet Holmgren, the double-big lineup was often used in the playoffs. When you win a championship, you can flex your muscles for the rest of the summer. Hartenstein has appeared on various national shows. He was recently on "The Rich Eisen Show" to reflect on his season and his decision to leave the New York Knicks. One of the topics brought up was Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. In a good mood, Hartenstein revealed an anecdote that he probably shouldn't have. He said that he'd hilariously drum up motivation from things outside of basketball, such as Mother Nature. "He is a great coach, but he is like very good crazy in a sense. He would show us sometimes before games and before practices of animals hunting. Kinda like weird stuff like that, where he kinda may come over to a basketball sense," Hartenstein said. "He is a great coach. The way he can motivate, the way he explains the game is very unique. Very stoic in that sense, that gives us confidence too." That's funny. You seldom see that side of Daigneault in public. So, Hartenstein's reveal of one of his unconventional ways to motivate his team was the highlight of his interview. He's seen as one of the best head coaches in the league and has worked his way from unknown rebuild coach to a household name. "He kinda instills that, he says it all the time, that 0-0 mentality. We never want to be too high, too low, always want to be in that present moment," Hartenstein said. "His in-game adjustments are great, too. Yeah, he has been one of my favorite coaches to play for so far."
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video games used to help NBA champ Isaiah Hartenstein unwind in the offseason. Now it's daddy duty.
It's only been a matter of weeks since star center Isaiah Hartenstein and his team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, won the NBA Finals. Cue celebratory champagne sprays in the locker room, a joyous parade with fans and ... early wake-up calls with his kid. 'My wife gave me more daddy duties,' Hartenstein, whose 1-year-old son, Elijah, was seen snoozing on his shoulder during the trophy ceremony, tells me during our conversation for Yahoo's OT Diaries. 'She said, 'You're waking up at 5 a.m. now.'' But the NBA champ is also hoping to make time for chilling out during the offseason. 'You're on such a high in that moment, and probably most excited for a bit of relaxing afterward,' the 27-year-old says about his success. Here's how he keeps himself grounded — and why he won't be on a basketball court for a month. It's such a big high, you feel a little crash after a couple of days. I'm not saying it's a depressed feeling, but you feel your mood going down a bit. For me, it's just been a lot of meditation and getting back to breath work to settle into a normal routine. My post-championship life so far has been waking up early with the baby. Just spending more time with the family is definitely important. There are so many ups and downs and so many emotions you have to deal with in the NBA. It was in my fourth year that I started to get into meditation and focusing on the mental side of the game. It's just me trying not to be on a roller coaster where I'm too high or too low, but staying more centered. I think a lot of people from the outside just see us [NBA athletes] as emotionless robots that just go out there and play. But I mean, all of us are human beings. We all go through different things, and being in a situation where I can regulate those emotions, where I can get back to zero, it's been very helpful. Some days it's not going to be perfect. Some days I can do all those things and I'll still feel a certain emotion. But just being consistent with it, I'll always be getting better. Through meditation, reading books and I use this app called Mastry that's kind of like an AI mental coach. I used it before each game throughout the playoffs. They're all just little tools that help me stay grounded. Just like working your muscles for basketball, I think you really have to work on the mental side. I'm a bit stricter in season. You end up having a routine that you stick with throughout the season, so it gets to a point where it's just a habit and you don't even have to think about it. During the offseason is when I try different things. It's more free-flowing. Not every season is the same. They bring different challenges where some of the same things might help, and some don't. You have to figure out what works for you at that time. Physically, just making sure that my body recovers. It's a superlong season and it takes a big toll on your body. I do massages and stretching. I'm a big ice bath guy, and I like to be in the weight room. Mentally, it's about giving yourself a little break where you can shut off a bit from basketball, but also pushing yourself to stay focused. I won't go on the basketball court for maybe a month to give my body some rest. But now with social media, it's also about turning off your phone and getting away from that [noise]. It's kind of hard to do, but that's where you mentally get away from it all. A big thing that helps me check out is doing charity stuff, 'cause that's where you know it's bigger than basketball. Being around people in need and helping them out humbles you; just seeing what really matters in life. It's changed a lot. No more video games, things that used to be my hobbies during my downtime. I'm gone so much [with basketball] that when I'm home, I try to spend as much time as I can with my family. My wife does an amazing job of taking on the load [of parenting], especially in the season when I need my rest. So now I try to help as much as possible. I love fashion. It's a part of me. It's the kind of avenue where you can express yourself through your tunnel fits, through what you wear. Being my size, it's not always easy to find stuff. ... If I go to 10 stores, probably one store will have something in my size. So I have [stylist Dan Solomon] to help me get clothes and put stuff together. It's been great, and I think it's something cool. Especially on [OKC], we're very into it. You kind of have like a friendly competition each game where you look at the other person and see what he has on. It's cool. My mom. South Park. Cheesecake Factory red velvet cake. That's always something where I have to keep myself from eating that. Something happening to my family. Supertight jeans. Barcode — it's like a sports drink. TikTok. When I start scrolling on TikTok, my wife has to tell me to put the phone down. A journal for my thoughts or manifestations. I write those down. It's German. His name is Billa Joe. I listen to him before every game. Meditation and visualization. Call of Duty. The only time I have right now is with my son, so I guess being a dad. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.


The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
NBA champion's stunning Wag returns as ring girl for Katie Taylor fight against Amanda Serrano
AN NBA star's stunning Wag is set to return as a ring girl for Katie Taylor's clash against Amanda Serrano. Isaiah Hartenstein's partner Kourtney will take centre stage for the bout at Madison Square Garden in New York TONIGHT. 8 8 8 8 Kourtney has been a regular in the ring for big fights in the past but has taken a break recently. This is down to her pregnancy with Isaiah's son Elijah in 2024. However, the stunning blonde has now confirmed that she is back and will be in the spotlight tonight. She told TMZ: "I'm back and I'm excited about it. It's been a while. "It's going to be historic." Fans were thrilled with the announcement that she would be back in the ring as they reacted on social media. One posted: "Let's gooo." A second wrote: "Sounds great! Looking fab!!" A third commented: "Love this, powerhouse mom." A fourth said: "You are gorgeous! Now I want to watch this fight just to see you in the ring!" Katie Taylor shadow boxes with young fan during open workout before Amanda Serrano fight Another added: "Best part of the fight." She also confirmed that partner Isaiah, , will be in attendance for the fight. It will be a homecoming for Hartenstein as he played for the New York Knicks between 2022 and 2024. He now stars for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kourtney's last appearance as a ring girl was way back in August 2023. 8 8 8 8 This was when she appeared on the Professional Fighters League card. She has also shared a selfie on her Instagram story urging fans to watch the fight on Netflix. The Taylor vs Serrano fight will be the third edition of their epic trilogy of fights. Taylor has the upper hand, having won the previous two thrillers despite disputed decision wins. The highly anticipated clash tops an incredible all-women's card headlining live on Netflix. And there will be an incredible - and record-breaking - 17 WORLD TITLES on the line throughout the night.


Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Stunning NBA WAG to make ring girl return at Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano fight
An NBA WAG is making her return to the ring this weekend. Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will be fighting on Friday to vie for the undisputed super lightweight championship. And Kourtney Hartenstein - the wife of Thunder star Isaiah - will be a ring girl for the highly-anticipated fight after an absence of a couple of years. 'I'm back,' she told TMZ. 'And I'm excited about it. It's been a while.' The model, whose last ring girl gig was seemingly for an August 2023 Professional Fighters League card, took a break from those responsibilities while she was pregnant with her and Hartenstein's son, Elijah. Now, however, she's stepping back in the ring for the Taylor-Serrano fight at Madison Square Garden. Ahead of the fight, Kourtney posted a smiling selfie of herself from the weigh-in to her Instagram story, urging fans to tune into the fight on Netflix. Kourtney also told TMZ that her husband will be in attendance to watch her in his old arena, where he played for the Knicks from 2022-24. Ahead of last season, he signed a massive three-year, $87million deal to join the Thunder, and went on to win the NBA Finals with his new team in June. Kourtney was a fixture at OKC's games during the postseason, and could be seen taking in the team's championship parade after in heartwarming video with her husband. Their son, Elijah, also went viral after the decisive Game 7 win over the Pacers as he fell asleep in his dad's arms on the championship podium. Hartenstein averaged 5.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and nearly a steal per game in the Finals. He'll enter his eighth NBA season in the fall.