The German seven-footer dominated the Big Ten with double-double consistency. Discover how his elite rebounding, perimeter shooting, and high-floor reliability could bolster Sacramento’s frontcourt depth and interior defense.
Although rookie big man Maxime Raynaud seemingly solidified himself as a key part of the Sacramento Kings' frontcourt going forward, the team could still look for depth at the center position.
The 2026 NBA draft presents multiple intriguing frontcourt prospects, including Duke's Cameron Boozer, and Michigan's duo of Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg.
One of the more under-the-radar center prospects in the class is Washington big man Hannes Steinbach, who posted 20 double-doubles on the season, became just the 19th player and first freshman to average a double-double for the Huskies.
Let's dive into what makes Steinbach so effective.
Consistency Is Key
Steinbach is not the most eye-popping prospect in this year's class, especially with dynamic scorers like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Darius Acuff Jr. at the top of the draft board.
But Steinbach's high ceiling and NBA-prototype center play make him perhaps the most NBA-ready big in the draft.
The Wurzburg, Germany, native became the first Washington player to earn all-conference honors in Washington's Big Ten era, ranking first in the country with 11.8 rebounds per game.
Steinbach possesses great instinct on the offensive glass, frequently positioning himself inside for easy putback opportunities.
The 7-footer moves well for his size and has solid conditioning, running the floor and playing just under 35 minutes per game.
Stretch-Big Range
In today's NBA, even big men are expected to stretch the floor.
Steinbach shot 34 percent from deep in his lone year with Washington, posting four games with 2 or more makes from 3-point range.
Although his attempts were limited, Steinbach possesses a natural stroke and has the ability to knock down a trail-3.
Defensive Upside
On the defensive side of the floor, Steinbach uses his instincts to protect the rim, sending away 1.2 shots per game and adding a steal.
He will need to continue to improve as a rim protector at the next level, but usually has solid positioning on defense and thwarts incoming drivers.
In the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, Steinbach sent back three Wisconsin shot attempts, adding a steal and 16 rebounds.
Are Kings a Fit?
The Kings would benefit from a player like Steinbach, who is similar to Raynaud, but brings additional height and youth, compared to the rookie standout.
While it would be difficult to see a way for the Kings to justify picking Steinbach following Raynaud's success, perhaps Sacramento would look to pair the two international big men together, using Steinbach's mobility and shooting stroke to play the duo together and overwhelm teams with size.
Draft Projection
Currently, Steinbach is seen as a mid-first round option, likely being one of the first players selected post-lottery.
In ESPN's latest mock draft, Steinbach landed with the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 16.
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