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Isaiah Hartenstein – 7’0” Power Forward, Germany, 19 Years Old
Isaiah Hartenstein is a German power forward, who is projected to be a first-round pick. Born in Eugene, Oregon, he plays for Zalgiris Kaunas in Latvia. This past season, the big man averaged 1 point and 0.8 rebounds, playing just five games. The versatile seven-footer is an inexperienced prospect, with most of his success coming at the youth level. In 2014, he led the Artland Dragons junior team to the title, and he was named MVP. Averaging 20.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.9 steals and 1.9 blocks, he would put together a great season. Joining Zalgiris in 2015, Hartenstein has since developed into one of the NBA Draft’s most intriguing big men.
Strengths
Standing at seven-foot, he is tall enough to play both the power forward and center positions. This makes the talented German a versatile option come draft night. His 7’2” wingspan enables him to be a solid rim protector. A good athlete, Hartenstein could develop into a really effective big in the paint. Well traveled and one of the more confident European prospects, Hartenstein shows great potential with his shooting. However, due to a lack of playing time, his numbers with Zalgiris are low. Furthermore, his time with Artland and with the German National Youth teams prove he produces more with improved playing time. NBA teams look for big men with shooting potential, and Hartenstein is one of those players.
Weaknesses
Despite weighing in at just under 250 lbs, Hartenstein lacks strength. His frame will improve with a little bit of work. One thing is for sure, Hartenstein is far beyond the other European prospects in the physical department. Similar to Los Angeles Lakers power forward Julius Randle, he is rather one handed. Whether it be shooting or laying the ball up, he lacks the ability to use his right hand. This makes Hartenstein one-dimensional on the court which is not an attractive asset. If he can get stronger and learn to use both hands, he will look right at home on an NBA court.
NBA Potential
Expected to be a late first-round pick, Hartenstein can be an effective player in the NBA. He could be coming off the bench as a role player, or a stretch big man at the four. If he cleans up certain aspects of his game, this German power forward can be a success. Teams like the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and the Portland Trail Blazers are all in the mix for Hartenstein. Expect one of these teams to take a chance on a player who could develop into a really useful player.
NBA Player Comparison
One player who can be compared to Hartenstein is Trail Blazers big man Meyers Leonard. Leonard has developed slowly, but well since entering the league as the 11th overall pick in 2012. Capable of shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc, Leonard has similar attributes to Hartenstein. Both are stretch bigs with limited potential, but can certainly be used efficiently by their teams. If Hartenstein develops into a starter, Leonard is a fair comparison. However, if the German turns into a role player at the next level, Donatas Motiejunas also shares similar traits. Hartenstein could be the steal of the draft, but he must land with the right team and situation.
Expect Isaiah Hartenstein to be a late first-round pick on draft night, and be sure to stay updated with our complete coverage of the 2017 NBA Draft!
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