The Charlotte Hornets made a strong impression in the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting Hannes Steinbach with the 14th overall pick and Christian Anderson with the 18th overall pick. ## What happened?
The Hornets' draft picks have been graded A by The Athletic, indicating a successful draft. Steinbach averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in his freshman season at Washington. He shot 57.7 percent from the field and 34 percent from three, making him one of the best rebounders in the draft.
Why it matters for Charlotte Hornets
Anderson, on the other hand, had a breakout sophomore season at Texas Tech, averaging 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 47.2 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from behind the arc, showcasing his development as a playmaker. This is particularly important for the Hornets, who traded away star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What comes next?
The Hornets have the flexibility to make more moves, and their selections of Steinbach and Anderson will play a significant role in their future. Coby White, who inked a three-year $74 million extension with the Hornets, will be the starting point guard. White averaged 15.6 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game, shooting 46.1 percent from the floor and 39.1 percent from downtown. The Hornets' recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 1W-0D-2L in their last three games, including a 102-112 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on 2025-02-06. | Date | Opponent | Score | | --- | --- | --- | | 2025-02-06 | Milwaukee Bucks | 102-112 | The Hornets will look to build around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller, with Steinbach and Anderson contributing to the team's success.