The Charlotte Hornets made waves in the 2026 NBA Draft, coming away with a pair of promising picks that earned them an A grade from The Athletic. Holding the 14th and 18th overall selections, the Hornets added Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson to their roster, both of whom have the potential to make an immediate impact and grow into key contributors for the team.
Starting with Hannes Steinbach, the Hornets snagged a player who just wrapped up an impressive freshman year at Washington. Averaging 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and solid defensive stats, Steinbach showcased his prowess on the court, shooting an efficient 57.7 percent from the field and a respectable 34 percent from beyond the arc. His rebounding skills were among the best in the draft, positioning him as an instant asset as a backup big man in Charlotte's lineup.
Then there's Christian Anderson, a dynamic guard coming off a stellar sophomore season at Texas Tech. After a solid freshman year, Anderson elevated his game significantly, putting up 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.
His shooting touch was sharp, with 47.2 percent from the field and an impressive 41.5 percent from three-point range. Anderson's growth as a playmaker is particularly timely for the Hornets, who recently traded star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Though Anderson may not start immediately, his role off the bench could be crucial, especially behind Coby White.
Speaking of White, he's secured his spot as the Hornets' starting point guard, fresh off signing a three-year, $74 million extension. Last season, White averaged 15.6 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game, with strong shooting percentages to boot. The Hornets are building around him, along with talents like Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
While the decision to trade Ball has raised some eyebrows, the Hornets have set themselves up with flexibility for future moves. The additions of Steinbach and Anderson are key steps in shaping Charlotte's future, potentially setting the stage for a new era of success.
In Other News...
Hornets Rookies Chose Their Numbers And Charlotte Fans Will Remember Them
Jersey numbers may seem like a small detail in June, but around the Hornets they have a way of sticking. LaMelo Ball turned his own switch from No. 2 to No. 1 into part of his Charlotte identity, and now the teams newest first-rounders have picked the digits theyll carry into training camp. Hannes Steinbach will wear No. 22, while Christian Anderson goes with No. 5, giving both rookies an early place in the franchises uniform history.
The numbers matter a little more here because both players arrive with defined jobs already waiting for them. Steinbach is expected to be in the rotation right away and could grow into a starter if his defense comes along, while Anderson is positioned as a backup point guard behind Coby White. For a Hornets team trying to sort out its next core, even the jersey choices feel like part of the larger picture, with the real question still being how quickly those numbers start meaning something on the floor. [Read more 🡒]
Hornets Suddenly Face A Franchise Defining All In Decision
Charlottes front office has spent the past year quietly changing the shape of its future, using the LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges trades to gather the kind of flexibility and draft capital that can be turned into a much bigger swing. Thats why the latest chatter around Jaylen Brown matters so much. A move of that size would not just be about adding another scorer, but about deciding whether the Hornets are ready to spend their new assets on a player who can alter the trajectory of the franchise.
The appeal is obvious, and so are the complications. Brown would force Charlotte to weigh fit, finances and the cost of parting with more pieces, including veterans and picks that have become part of the teams growing trade inventory. For a roster still trying to define its next identity, the question is less whether Brown is the kind of name that can change the conversation and more whether this is the moment to push in and make that kind of bet. [Read more 🡒]
Hornets Face A Summer That Could Define Jeff Petersons Plan
Jeff Petersons first summer steering the Hornets has quickly become a test of how patient and how bold this new front-office era will be. After the LaMelo Ball trade reshaped the roster, Charlotte has more flexibility than it has had in a while, including a $40 million trade exception, and Peterson said the team intends to keep looking at every path while staying disciplined with its assets. The challenge now is not just to make moves, but to make the right ones for both the short term and the long term.
Charlotte has already spent part of the offseason strengthening the frontcourt, which changes the shape of the next problem on the board. The Hornets are now evaluating guard help, with an eye toward adding more ballhandling and shooting to fit around what is already in place. Petersons approach suggests the front office is willing to be selective, but the summer still feels like the moment that will show how aggressive this reset really is. [Read more 🡒]