The Charlotte Hornets made waves on draft night by selecting Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson, but their attempt to trade up for the 11th overall pick fell short. Despite missing out on moving up, the Hornets added two promising young players to their roster, with their recent form showing a 2W-0D-3L record (WWLLL) and a 96-110 win over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026.
What happened during the draft?
The Hornets offered the Golden State Warriors their 14th overall pick and a future selection in exchange for the 11th pick, but the deal didn’t materialize. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors were considering Yaxel Lendeborg but entertained trade calls until the last minute. Charlotte ultimately drafted Steinbach at 14 and Anderson at 18, both seen as strong additions to their young core.
Why it matters for the Hornets
Steinbach, a 20-year-old big man from Washington, averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in his freshman season. His ability to dominate the paint and shoot 57.7% from the field makes him a valuable asset. Anderson, a guard, improved dramatically in his sophomore year, averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 41.5% from three, giving the Hornets a reliable playmaker behind Coby White, who recently signed a three-year, $74 million deal.
What comes next for Charlotte?
With a young roster and draft capital, the Hornets are building for the future. Steinbach and Anderson could contribute immediately, especially with LaMelo Ball now in Minnesota. The team’s recent winning streak (2W-0D-3L) and victory over the Knicks (110-96 on April 12, 2026) show promise, but consistency will be key as they develop their new talent.
