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.
That championship moment has to be hard to put into words. How do you navigate the comedown?
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.
What role does mental health play in your day-to-day?
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.
How have you made that consistent?
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.
In what ways does your offseason routine differ from what you’re doing in season?
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.
What are some goals that you have for this summer specifically?
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.
What does taking a break from basketball look like for you?
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.
How has becoming a dad impacted your downtime?
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.
That’ll really bring you back down to earth. I have to ask about your wardrobe because you have some amazing tunnel fits. What role does fashion play in your life?
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.
I love it! Now, for some fun rapid-fire questions…
Who is your No. 1 call when you have good news?
My mom.
What is your comfort watch?
South Park.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cheesecake Factory red velvet cake. That’s always something where I have to keep myself from eating that.
Biggest fear?
Something happening to my family.
What gives you the ick?
Supertight jeans.
What is something that you eat or drink every day?
Barcode — it’s like a sports drink.
What is your internet rabbit hole?
TikTok. When I start scrolling on TikTok, my wife has to tell me to put the phone down.
What is one go-to item that never leaves your bag?
A journal for my thoughts or manifestations. I write those down.
What song or album is your personal soundtrack right now?
It’s German. His name is Billa Joe. I listen to him before every game.
What is a wellness trend that you swear by?
Meditation and visualization.
Basketball aside, what are you best at?
Call of Duty.
What is a skill or hobby that you’re trying to get good at?
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.
