Overview
- The Charlotte Hornets used their first-round picks on Wednesday to take Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Christian Anderson Jr. at No. 18, giving both players immediate entry into the NBA draft class.
- Both Steinbach and Anderson receive guaranteed rookie contracts as first-round selections, a change that locks in their pay and roster spots for the start of their pro careers.
- Hannes Steinbach is a 2.11-meter forward who rose at the University of Washington, averaged 11.8 rebounds per game last season, was listed among ESPN’s top-15 prospects, and has roots in Würzburg where his father once played with Dirk Nowitzki.
- Christian Anderson Jr. is a 20-year-old guard who played at Texas Tech, shared Germany’s U19 vice world championship with Steinbach in 2025, and brings playmaking and established chemistry with his new teammate.
- Dirk Nowitzki sent a televised congratulatory message to Steinbach and Isaiah Hartenstein privately offered support, and the twin selections raise the number of Germans in the NBA to at least nine while reinforcing the pipeline from German youth programs to the league.