Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George recently hosted Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein on his podcast, where they discussed various league topics. During their conversation, George’s funny reaction emerged after discovering that Hartenstein’s father is Black.
Late in the episode, George expressed surprise upon learning about Hartenstein’s heritage, leading to a humorous exchange that amused both players.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s Background and Family Roots
Isaiah Hartenstein is the son of Florian Hartenstein, a former professional basketball player and current coach who grew up in Germany. Isaiah’s mother is White American, adding to the unique blend in his family background.
George’s Unexpected Reaction to Hartenstein’s Heritage
During the podcast, Paul George greeted Isaiah with an exclamation that caught listeners off guard.
“What’s up, my n****?” —Paul George
Isaiah recalled the moment later on, sharing how George’s attitude shifted significantly after this revelation.
“That man’s whole energy towards me changed.” —Isaiah Hartenstein
Paul George’s NBA Journey and Team Preferences
Paul George has completed 15 NBA seasons, playing for multiple franchises including seven years with the Indiana Pacers, two with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and five with the Los Angeles Clippers. He is currently a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers.
In a recent candid podcast discussion with Baron Davis, George made it clear which team he plans to avoid in free agency.
“If I’m in free agency, I’m not picking Charlotte, just because there’s no winning culture there alone. Regardless, Charlotte is an amazing city, would love to play for because of the city, like I could see myself living there. But in terms of a basketball standpoint, my career’s over with if I’m going there,”
—Paul George
Recent Performance and Injury Update from the 2024-25 Season
Throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, Paul George delivered several strong performances for the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, his season ended early on March 17, 2025, due to adductor and knee injuries that sidelined him for the remainder of the games.
In 41 appearances, George averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists each game, proving his value to the squad before his injury setback.
NBA insiders have recently shared important updates on his recovery status, underscoring the significance of his return timeline for his team’s prospects.
Significance of the Podcast Exchange and George’s Career Outlook
The playful moment between Paul George and Isaiah Hartenstein highlights the camaraderie and personal connections within the NBA community beyond the court. George’s honest comments about his preferred team choices also underline his focus on maintaining a winning environment as he continues his career.
As Paul George works through his rehabilitation, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he rebounds and impacts the 76ers’ future seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Paul George’s injury happen?
A. Daniela George was born on November 12, 1990, in Queens, New York. She used to work as a model and later became an entrepreneur and social media personality. Daniela is of Serbian-American heritage and is recognized as more than just Paul George’s wife.
Q. How did Paul George get injured?
A. During an Elite 8 game against Duke on March 31, 2013, Ware got injured in the first half. He tried to block a shot but landed awkwardly on his right leg. This caused a serious break, with the bone sticking out several inches from his shin.
Q. What was Paul George’s injury?
A. Philadelphia 76ers player Paul George faced many injuries last season, and he is now recovering from a knee injury. He underwent surgery on his left knee after getting hurt during a recent practice.
Q. What is Paul George’s injury?
A. George injured his knee again during an offseason workout last week and will have surgery right away, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. His playing season had already ended on March 4th due to a left knee injury.