Strengths

A true 7 footer with a large frame that should continue filling out

Productive and competitive rebounder. Willing to get physical and take contact.

Has some serious playmaking skills, passes and dribbles the ball on perimeter

Moves well for a person of his size. Can guard smaller, faster players.

Weaknesses

Jump shot needs a lot more practice, but has range and touch

Post game has much room for improvement, seems more comfortable on the perimeter

How will he compete against more athletic bigs in the NBA?

NBA projection: The biggest question with Hartenstein is really where exactly does he fit in the evolving NBA. We do still see cases of traditional bigs finding roles on teams (e.g. Willy Hernangomez). However, it is completely up to Hartenstein how much he will be willing to develop and work. If his offensive game continues to become more refined, there is no question that Hartenstein’s services will be in demand by NBA teams. Backup centers with height are always a good insurance policy for teams to have on their roster.

2016-17 Season

Hartenstein made his debut at the senior professional level this year with Zalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian LKL and Euroleague. As a member of Zalgiris he has played a bench role for the most part. He joined the German national team at the FIBA U-18 Euro Championships in December and helped the team finish in 4th place. In April, he participated at the Nike Hoop Summit where he scored 10 points.

Key Statistics: 27 GP, 13.2 MPG, 4.9 PPG, 50% 2P, 30% 3P, 69% FT, 3.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.2 TPG, (LKL); 5 GP, 13.2 MPG, 1.0 PPG, 40% 2P, 0% 3P, 100% FT, 0.8 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0 SPG, 0 BPG, 0.4 TPG, (Euroleague); 6 GP, 25.4 MPG, 14.7 PPG, 54% 2P, 33% 3P, 65% FT, 9.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 4.2 TPG, (FIBA Euro U-18 Tournament)

Career Highlights: Participated in the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit, tallying 10 points and three boards in 19 minutes. Invited to the Basketball without Borders Camp in 2016. Played in the 2014 Jordan Brand International Game, notching four points and five boards in 18 minutes. Represented Germany at three FIBA events at the U16 and U18 levels, averaging 12.2 points and 9.1 rebounds. Led the 2016 U18 Euros in blocks (1.7/gm).

Cool Statistic: Hartenstein's father Flo played for the University of Oregon and met his wife-to-be in Eugene. Isaiah was born there and the family then moved to Germany where Flo played professionally.

Reminds me of: Nikola Jokic

What Insiders Say

Stefanos Makris, NBAdraft.net

“Hartenstein is one of the best bigs of his generation in Europe. His combination of size, skillset and versatility is difficult to ignore, since he can become a great inside-out player. He is still a work in progress though and he needs to continue working in all aspects of his game.”

Carl Berman, NetScouts Basketball

“I saw Isaiah play several years ago at the Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn. After seeing him at the Nike Hoop Summit in April he's clearly not the same player, which is both good and bad. He's filled out quite a bit physically which limits his previous explosiveness. But he's also grown and is now a true center with solid passing and rebounding skills. He's still athletic and while his shot is a work in progress there's always a place for a 7-footer with skills in the NBA. Being a lefty doesn't hurt either. The Jokic comparison might be a good one down the line."

Jonathan Givony, Draft Express

“Hartenstein may very well turn into a threat from NBA three down the road, but he showed that he has quite a bit of room to improve in that regard. His overall skill set offensively could use some polishing. With that said, Hartenstein has NBA tools to fall back on at 7' 1 with a great frame and impressive mobility. He competed all week long, playing only a couple hours from his hometown of Eugene, and proved that his time with Zalgiris has certainly helped him from a toughness standpoint. Hartenstein may not be the ultra-skilled stretch four man he showed flashes of in the past, but there's certainly room in the NBA for centers with his size, strength, aggressiveness, rebounding ability and potential skill set.”

-- Carl Berman and Chris Denker are Managing Partners of NetScouts Basketball, ‘The International Basketball Connection.’ You can follow NetScouts Basketball on Twitter, or follow Chris and Carl. Thanks to Ronnie Levi of our staff for his work on these profiles..