​Charlotte Hornets rookie Hannes Steinbach made his team debut Thursday night after being selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Off the bench, Steinbach made an immediate impact, finishing with a double-double that featured 15 points and 11 rebounds, along with two assists, two blocks, and one steal. His strong performance gave fans a glimpse of his potential as a versatile contributor.
After the game, leading scorer Liam McNeeley, who dropped 28 points, praised the rookie for his rebounding impact. “That boy can rebound. He snagged a ton of offensive boards and chased down a lot of long rebounds and scrums,” McNeeley said. “He simply makes the game easier for us. He gives us extra possessions and creates more opportunities on the floor.” His energy and nose for the ball were singled out as key reasons why the Hornets showed resilience around Steinbach’s minutes.
Another Hornets center, Ryan Kalkbrenner, echoed the sentiment, calling Steinbach “a really smart and skilled big.” Kalkbrenner’s assessment underscored the belief within the Hornets that the German forward-center has the size, intelligence, and skill set to develop into a dependable frontcourt piece as he adjusts to professional basketball.
Steinbach’s collegiate résumé further underscores why the Hornets are optimistic about his trajectory. During his freshman season at Washington, he led Division I in rebounds per game, averaging 11.8 boards per contest. In addition to his rebounding prowess, he posted 18.5 points per game, along with 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals. That combination of scoring, rebounding, and a demonstrated ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is precisely what the Hornets had in mind when they drafted him.
As the season begins its long arc, questions about how Steinbach will translate his defensive versatility to the NBA remain natural. The league demands more polish in areas such as lateral movement, rim protection, and switching, but the Hornets have signaled they are prepared to take a patient, developmental approach with the 20-year-old German native. The organization is confident that with time and professional coaching, Steinbach can refine his skill set, amplify his rebounding instincts, and contribute in a variety of lineups.
The immediate takeaway from Steinbach’s debut is that Charlotte may have found a young role player with a high ceiling. His ability to impact the glass, contest shots, and contribute offensively in limited minutes offers a blueprint for his future growth. If he continues to adapt, learn, and expand his game, Steinbach could become a valuable asset for a Hornets squad looking to build a more dynamic, multi-positional frontcourt.
This report originally appeared on Rookie Wire, highlighting the praise Steinbach received from teammates following his debut and laying the groundwork for his ongoing development within the Hornets’ system. The primary takeaway remains clear: Steinbach’s first NBA appearance demonstrated the potential that made him a first-round pick, and fans will be watching closely as he continues to grow into his professional role.