Former Washington Huskies star Hannes Steinbach has cemented himself as one of the top players in the 2026 NBA draft, and as the selection process looms, the only question that remains is: where will he go?
If On3’s Steve Samra’s latest mock draft projection comes true, he’ll find himself in the Eastern Conference with the Charlotte Hornets, who hold the No. 14 overall pick, where he’d have an early opportunity to develop into a star on a team that could use some support in the frontcourt.
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With guards LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel leading the way in the backcourt, while forward Miles Bridges had a strong year, averaging 17.1 points per game. Adding Steinbach, who averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game during his one year playing for coach Danny Sprinkle, would give Charlotte a massive boost in the frontcourt as the organization looks to take another step forward after finishing No. 9 in the East in the 2025-26 season.
The All-Big Ten Third Team and Freshman Team honoree, who also chipped in 1.8 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 57.7 percent from the floor and 34 percent from three-point range, would be a welcome addition down low on both ends of the floor.
Thanks to his presence in the paint as a scorer and ability to stretch the floor, he’d also be able to provide some extra space for wing Brandon Miller, who was Charlotte’s leading scorer last season after posting 20.2 points per game across 65 appearances. He could also immediately establish himself as the team’s best rebounder after center Moussa Diabaté pulled down 8.7 boards per game last year.
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The first round of the 2026 NBA draft is scheduled for June 23, 2026, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies star lands with Charlotte Hornets in mock draft
