From Montlake to the NBA: Hannes Steinbach Looking to Make Mark With Hornets
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NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fourteenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Washington forward Hannes Steinbach after he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images [/caption]
After a dominant freshman year wearing the purple and gold, Hannes Steinbach heard his name called early in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Drafted 14th overall, the German standout will take his talents to the East Coast and push for a rotation spot. The lottery pick continues the tradition of Washington Huskies getting drafted in the first round, joining the likes of program legends Brandon Roy and Markelle Fultz.
Charlotte had significant roster changes this week, both in the draft and in the days thereafter. A play-in team last year, Hannes will have plenty of opportunity to prove himself as there are no surefire frontcourt starters in the Queen City after trading Lamelo Ball to the Timberwolves.
With many recent UW draftees becoming integral role-players in their NBA careers, Steinbach will attempt to go one step further and achieve all-star status in Charlotte.
Steinbach's Fit at the Next Level
Coming into the draft, Steinbach was a projected mid-first round pick by most media outlets. Averaging 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists while bringing home 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks on the defensive end, he was downright dominant in his lone year on Montlake. His 11.8 rebounds led the nation while pulling down an unreal 4.9 offensive boards a night. Steinbach’s rebounding is his most translatable trait and should immediately show up in the box score given his 6-10, 250 pound frame.
The counting stats for the German earned him Second Team All-Big Ten honors. But his efficiency from behind the arc could use some improvement, as he only shot 34% from three on limited volume (1.8 attempts a game). Shooting deficiencies are easier to hide in college, but will get exploited in the pros, as defenders will leave non-shooters to play help defense more frequently and effectively.
His shooting form is passable, with a fluid motion from start to finish. Yet Steinbach’s release is slow, which limits him to catch-and-shoot jumpers only. He will never be asked to shoot off the dribble in the NBA, but if he can consistently knock down open jumpers on four to five attempts a game, he will become one of the most well-rounded offensive bigs in the league.
Already well-aware of his strengths and weaknesses, Steinbach told reporters that “rebounding is my best quality, and I definitely want to improve my shooting just to be able to spread the floor and provide spacing for the team.”
Shooting, rebounding, and scoring are all easy to see from a box score, but turning on the tape of the former Husky made evaluators fall in love with his game. An expert passer out of the post and a fluid mover in the short pick-and-roll, the versatile big is a point guard’s best friend. With massive yet soft hands, he catches every pass and uses his seven foot two wingspan to deposit buckets over out-of-position defenders. The Würzburg native routinely makes backpedaling defenders look foolish with his combination of tactful footwork and herculean play strength.
Projected Role in Charlotte
Steinbach looked like the surefire backup center for the Hornets upon being drafted on Tuesday night. Two days later, his new front office sent offensive juggernaut LaMelo Ball to their cross-conference rival Minnesota Timberwolves. The main return in that trade package is the fan-favorite big man Naz Reid. Steinbach will likely now have to cede minutes to Reid given his outstanding postseason with the Timberwolves.
Despite starting at the power forward spot for Washington, Steinbach will have to branch outside his comfort zone in Charlotte. The 6-10 German projects as a center at the next level, as he lacks the footspeed to defend NBA wings. Playing the five will mitigate this limitation and allow the rookie to defend similar-sized, less fleet of foot bigs.
Against certain matchups, the former UW big can survive at the four. Two-big lineups are making a comeback in the NBA and with Steinbach developing shooting ability, he could be effective in limited minutes as a power forward. Whether it be as a backup four or five, the rookie will be happy to contribute in either role.
Both positions will be important as Charlotte has a few bigs that are similarly talented players to Steinbach. Many are also positional tweeners as well. Moussa Diabaté projects as the starting center for his shot-blocking and rim-running prowess. However, his 6-10, 210 pound frame has been outmatched against the heftier bigs across the league. Ryan Kalkbrenner is the best rim-protector on the roster but offers little value on the offensive end.
Steinbach’s pitch to start over the two aforementioned centers is that he is a more well-rounded player than both. This will likely cause a season-long starting lineup shuffle where Hannes and Diabaté trade starts based on the opposing team’s center profile.
The UW alum discussed how he watched Charlotte’s postseason run last year and how he’s “excited to join the young group and just be a part of the process.”
Charlotte has a lot more competition for the power forward spot. Miles Bridges is the likely starter, despite him being undersized. Grant Williams will provide a switchable defender with a streaky jumper. Former number six overall pick Tidjane Salaün will also throw his name in the hat despite an up-and-down rookie season. Lastly, the most well-rounded contender for the four spot, Reid, aims to assert himself with his new team after a stellar finish in Minnesota.
Steinbach still has the upside to steal minutes from all the players vying for a starting power forward spot. But there is a lot more competition at the four than there is at the five. If he can become respectable from three or develop his shot blocking a bit more, he will be the de facto starter for an exciting and young team who could win a playoff series as soon as this year.
A Familiar Face
Fellow rookie Christian Anderson Jr. was drafted 18th overall out of Texas Tech. Now that all-star point guard LaMelo Ball has been traded, the former Red Raider will compete with trade deadline addition Coby White for a starting spot.
While being asked about fellow draftee Anderson Jr. joining him in Charlotte, Steinbach broke out a huge smile saying that his new teammate is a “great point guard who can really pass but can also create his own shot and can shoot the deep three ball.” Both players played extensively together for the German National Team during the U19 World Cup. Steinbach noted that he is “very excited to team up with [Anderson Jr.] again.” Their already-established chemistry should be readily apparent this upcoming NBA season.
UW to NBA Pipeline
Steinbach’s selection in the 2026 NBA Draft marks the 18th Husky taken since 2000. With 14 of those players being first round picks, Washington has shown a propensity for producing NBA talent despite a lack of March Madness success.
Steinbach aims to be the best Husky big man to ever enter the NBA. The standard is high between James Edwards and Steve and Spencer Hawes, but Steinbach has a chance to surpass them in time. He might not garner the media spotlight that some of his rookie peers will, but when people look at this draft class, don’t be surprised if fans and scouts alike question why he didn’t get picked higher.
