Charlotte Hornets Projected To Draft Intriguing Big Man

The Charlotte Hornets have an important offseason ahead after narrowly missing the postseason in the 2025-26 season.

The Hornets finished with a 44-38 record and won their first Play-In Game over the Miami Heat, but fell to the Orlando Magic in the second Play-In Game. 

While it was disappointing that Charlotte didn't make the postseason, they took a step in the right direction and have a promising core of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller.

The Hornets will now look to build around this core and use the 14th and 18th overall picks in the draft to add to the roster.

In CBS Sports' latest mock draft, they have Charlotte selecting Washington big man Hannes Steinbach with the 18th overall pick.

Steinbach played well for Washington in his freshman season, earning All-Big Ten honors. The 20-year-old averaged 18.5 points per game along with 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks. He shot 57.7 percent from the field and 34 percent from three.

He is one of the best rebounders in the 2026 draft class and could be a solid addition to the Hornets frontcourt.

Charlotte had a phenomenal draft in 2025, selecting Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Sion James, and Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Knueppel is a budding star, as he finished second in the Rookie of the Year race, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 42.5 percent from behind the arc.

Kalkbrenner was also solid, averaging 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, shooting an efficient 75.3 percent from the field.

James was a quality rotational guard, averaging 5.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two assists while shooting 37.1 percent from the floor and 35.2 percent from deep.

McNeeley didn't play a ton, appearing in 31 games, averaging 4.3 points and 2.4 rebounds, shooting 40 percent from the field and 40 percent from downtown.

The Hornets have a solid young core in place and could make a playoff push in the 2026-27 season. If they can land a player like Steinbach with the 18th overall pick, they will have even more depth on the roster for next season.

Hornets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hornets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.