From Charlotte Hornets On SI · · 1m 50s
Hannes Steinbach Left Out of Hornets' Opening Rotation
Charlotte Hornets skip rookie Hannes Steinbach for opening-night rotation despite strong preseason showing.
In brief
Charlotte Hornets skip rookie Hannes Steinbach for opening-night rotation despite strong preseason showing. Charlotte Hornets left rookie Hannes Steinbach out of opening-night rotation due to defensive concerns and team needs. Originally reported by Charlotte Hornets On SI.
Hornets Start 1-0
Charlotte Hornets begin 2026-27 season 1-0 with head coach Charles Lee deploying a 10-man rotation where every player contributed on both ends of the floor.
Hannes Steinbach DNP-CD
Rookie big man Hannes Steinbach received a DNP-CD in Charlotte's opening-night victory.
Preseason Performance
Steinbach recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes against Memphis Grizzlies during final preseason game.
Why Steinbach Left Out
Coach Charles Lee didn't deploy Steinbach in the rotation despite his strong preseason showing.
Positional Fit
Steinbach spent most minutes at the four during Washington season and earned lottery pick status in June 2026 draft.
Preseason Usage
Coaching staff showed little interest in playing Steinbach at power forward position during four preseason games.
Offensive Template
Hornets' offense requires four to provide floor spacing and shooting gravity, Steinbach lacks reliable three-point shooting.
Defensive Depth
Steinbach sits behind two proven NBA players: Moussa Diabaté and Ryan Kalkbrenner.
Diabaté's Impact
Diabaté finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, and five steals in Brooklyn game.
Kalkbrenner's Role
Kalkbrenner finished with team-best plus-minus of +22 in Brooklyn game.
Defensive Concerns
Steinbach has defensive limitations including poor vertical athleticism and getting caught out of position.
Preseason Improvement
Steinbach showed some defensive improvement during preseason compared to Summer League.
Defensive Potential
Steinbach has great foot speed, active hands, and 7-foot-2 wingspan for defensive work.
Next Opportunity
Steinbach could enter rotation as soon as Charlotte's next game with Greensboro Swarm development.
The headline
Charlotte Hornets left rookie Hannes Steinbach out of opening-night rotation due to defensive concerns and team needs.
