# Hannes Steinbach Left Out of Hornets' Opening Rotation

> Charlotte Hornets skip rookie Hannes Steinbach for opening-night rotation despite strong preseason showing.
- Title: Hannes Steinbach Left Out of Hornets' Opening Rotation
- Summary: Charlotte Hornets skip rookie Hannes Steinbach for opening-night rotation despite strong preseason showing. Charlotte Hornets left rookie Hannes Steinbach…
- Keywords: charlotte hornets, hannes steinbach, coby white, kon knueppel, moussa diabate, ryan kalkbrenner, charlotte greensboro swarm, nba, nba draft, preseason, rookie, defense
- Source: Charlotte Hornets On SI — https://si.com/nba/hornets/onsi/why-hannes-steinbach-was-left-out-of-the-hornets-opening-night-rotation
- Published: 2026-10-22T18:31:14+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: charlotte hornets, hannes steinbach, coby white, kon knueppel, moussa diabate, ryan kalkbrenner, charlotte greensboro swarm, nba, nba draft, preseason, rookie, defense
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Charlotte Hornets left rookie Hannes Steinbach out of opening-night rotation due to defensive concerns and team needs.