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Rookie Hannes Steinbach Gets Honest on Role With Hornets
Rookie Hannes Steinbach Gets Honest on Role With Hornets
Ben CooperMon, July 20, 2026 at 4:58 AM UTC·2 min readThe Charlotte Hornets used their 14th overall pick in the draft to select big man Hannes Steinbach. Steinbach could play a major role in Charlotte's rotation in his rookie season.
He played at a high level in his freshman campaign at Washington, averaging 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 34 percent from three.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSteinbach is one of the best rebounders in the class and could be an impactful player in his rookie season.
"Yeah, I just love playing physical, love to make contact," Steinbach said. "So, I think it's just bringing that to every game, every time I play."
He played well in Summer League, averaging 15.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 60.2 percent from the floor. Steinbach is a threat for a double-double every night he is on the floor.
He will be competing for minutes with Naz Reid, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Moussa Diabaté in the Hornets' big-man rotation.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementReid is the new addition for Charlotte and could start at power forward for the team. In the 2025-26 season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, a steal, and a block per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from behind the arc.
Diabaté and Kalkbrenner will be competing with Steinbach for the starting center spot. Diabaté had a quality fourth season in the league, averaging 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and a block per game, shooting 63.1 percent from the floor.
Kalkbrenner had a strong rookie campaign, averaging 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 75.3 percent from the floor.
The Hornets have a plethora of young talent, which gives them a bright future ahead, but could make for some difficult decisions regarding the rotation in the 2026-27 season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Charlotte's investment in Steinbach with the 14th overall pick, he is likely to receive minutes, but if he plays well enough, he could earn a starting nod in his rookie season.
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