Overview

• Game 1 of the NBA Finals begins Friday in Oklahoma City as the Thunder open their series against the Indiana Pacers with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge.
• Signed to a three-year, $87 million contract, Hartenstein has secured a starting center role by anchoring Oklahoma City’s defense with shot-blocking and rebounding while evolving into a reliable playmaker.
• Bundestrainer Álex Mumbrú praised Hartenstein’s versatility, highlighting his rim protection, offensive rebounding and guard-like passing within the Thunder’s system.
• Raised and trained in Quakenbrück under former BBL pro Florian Hartenstein, the 2.13-meter center climbed from the G-League to emerge as one of the NBA’s most improved big men.
• Hartenstein’s availability for Germany’s European Championship this summer remains undecided and will hinge on how deep Oklahoma City advances in the Finals.