Dennis Schroder Reveals One Hornets Teammate Who Could Become a Star

The Charlotte Hornets made a trade to acquire veteran guard Dennis Schroder from the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this offseason. Schroder joins a young roster, and he sees a potential star in one of his new teammates.

"There are so many. Hannes Steinbach was drafted #14. He is very strong, very young... He is one of the top, top, top prospects right now," Schroder said on the OMR Podcast.

Steinbach is entering his rookie season with the Hornets after he had a great freshman season at Washington. In 30 games, Steinbach averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He shot 57.7 percent from the field and 34 percent from three.

The 20-year-old big man was one of the best rebounders in the country and showed his versatility with his shot-blocking and ability to shoot from distance.

Schroder's confidence in Steinbach could play a pivotal role in the fellow German's development in the NBA. Steinbach has the potential to be the starting center for Charlotte in his rookie season, but will be competing with Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Diabate is coming off a career year, as he averaged 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and a block per game, shooting 63.1 percent from the field.

Kalkbrenner also had a solid year, averaging 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 75.3 percent from the floor. With three solid options at center, head coach Charles Lee will have a difficult task finding minutes for everyone.

Schroder will be the lead ball-handler off the bench for the Hornets, helping to elevate the young centers of Steinbach, Diabate, and Kalkbrenner. In the 2025-26 season, Schroder averaged 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. The 32-year-old shot 40.5 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from behind the arc.

Schroder is a quality scorer and playmaker and could be a quality backup behind Coby White.

While Charlotte made a ton of moves this offseason, including moving on from All-Star LaMelo Ball, they have assembled a talented young roster with players like Steinbach and veteran leaders like Schroder to help the team develop.