Charlotte Hornets 2026 NBA Draft analysis 

WASHINGTON ATHLETICS

Former Washington Huskies big Hannes Steinbach adds size and offensive diversity to the Charlotte Hornets' center rotation.

The Charlotte Hornets addressed needs and added depth with their two first round picks.

Charlotte selected forward/center Hannes Steinbach from the University of Washington with the 14th pick and followed it up with selecting guard Christian Anderson Jr. from Texas Tech with the 18th pick after a week of speculation of whether they would stay put with their current picks or look to trade up or down. 

“Going into the draft you're constantly trying to figure out how you can continue to get talent into this building,” Hornets vice president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said, “and both of those guys, again, they’re certainly not finished products, they’re still young, they’re going to continue to get better, because they’re about the right things. They work, they put the time in, and they want to be great.”

Hannes Steinbach (6-10, 220) forward/center, Washington: Steinbach brings some diversity to the position as a big who can rebound at a high level but also score in different ways. 

Steinbach averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game last season at Washington, which led the Big 10. He was a 2025-26 All-Big 10 honoree and named to the All-Big 10 freshman team. Steinbach shot an efficient 57.7% from the floor and 75.9% from the free throw line in his one season with the Huskies. 

“He’s a guy that [is the] best rebounder in the draft,” Petterson said. “He's someone who is just continuously trying to get better. He's a very skilled, very high I.Q. player. He fits us from a D.N.A standpoint, continues to try to get better with just his work ethic, his values are aligned with what we're trying to accomplish. We are excited to have him. I know he’s going to make us better on both ends of the floor.”

Steinbach is just 20 years old, but Petterson feels he has potential to make an impact as he continues to develop and adjust to the NBA.

Christian Anderson Jr. (6-2, 165), guard, Texas Tech: Anderson was one of the best three-point shooters in the country in 2025-26 at over 40% while attempting eight three-pointers per game. He comes to a team that loves to shoot the three, averaging 43.3 shots beyond the arc per game last season. 

Anderson was 2024-25 All-Big 12 freshman and followed it by earning a spot on the 2025-26 All-Big 12 squad. He averaged 18.5 points and 7.4 assists per game last season while shooting 47.2% from the floor and 80.5% from the free throw line. 

TEXAS TECH ATHLETICS

Christian Anderson Jr. was one of college basketball's best three-point shooters at better than 40% beyond the arc for Texas Tech. He averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 assists with the Red Raiders in 2025-26 to earn All-Big 12.

“[Anderson] is one of the best shooters in the draft,” Peterson said. “He shot above 40% from three on just right under eight attempts a game, shoots him off the bounce, catch and shoot, spot-ups, just in various ways, and then his IQ as well. He's one of the best pick-and-roll players in the draft, too. He does a tremendous job of valuing the ball and getting his teams involved. I’m really excited to have [Steinbach and Anderson] with us.”

How do these players fit?

The Hornets needed some versatility at center, which they found in Steinbach. Charlotte has Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner, who shared most of the load in 2025-26. While both were serviceable defenders and rebounders, neither has an offensive skillset — yet — that could keep defenses honest. 

Adding Steinbach to the mix adds some offensive threat to the middle of the floor and help create looks for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller to work off the dribble or even in catch-and-shoot situations. 

The addition of Anderson provides another ball-dominant guard who can create for himself and others. The Hornets also want to re-sign free agent Coby White, who like Anderson, can create for others and shoot at a high level. 

Overall draft grade: A 

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