Hornets Notes: McNeeley, James, Kalkbrenner, Steinbach, Salaun, Ajayi
While teams typically focus on their incoming rookies at Summer League, the Hornets were equally interested in the progress of last year’s draft class, writes Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer (subscription required). The coaching staff had specific areas of improvement for Liam McNeeley, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner during their five games in Las Vegas.
McNeeley was given control of the offense and was asked to show that he can handle being the main facilitator. James also saw time in that role as the Hornets search for a reliable backup to Coby White.
“Obviously (McNeeley’s) been our primary creator and his ability to score the ball at all three levels has done a great job on that end of the floor,” Summer League coach Blaine Mueller said. “But I’d highlight, too, his defensive effort, particularly against New Orleans. He had some incredible one-on-one possessions in terms of understanding guys’ driving tendencies and what he needs to do from a technique standpoint.”
Kalkbrenner was also used as a play-maker at times out of the post and proved to be a vocal presence on defense, frequently shouting out coverages on pick-and-rolls.
“Another guy who’s protecting the rim, adjusting between coverages pretty, pretty frequently,” Mueller said. “Obviously, want to see him around the rim with more force. I think we’ve seen that, too. Had a couple finishes in traffic and-ones. Stuff where he’s a little bit more physical, a little bit more on balance, understanding what he needs to do around the rim when he’s in traffic.”
There’s more on the Hornets, all from Boone:
- First-round pick Hannes Steinbach capped off a successful week in Las Vegas by posting 22 points and 11 rebounds on Friday. Charlotte opted to remake its roster this summer, placing more of an emphasis on size and physicality, which the 6’11”, 248-pound center is happy to provide. “Yeah, I just love playing physical, love to make contact,” he said. “So, I think it’s just bringing that to every game, every time I play.” Boone notes that Charlotte used some twin tower lineups with Steinbach and Kalkbrenner on the court together.
- Tidjane Salaun was back for another year at Summer League, as the sixth pick in the 2024 draft tries to earn a spot in the Hornets’ new-look rotation. Boone states that Salaun’s playing time will ultimately depend on his ability to improve in the areas that Charlotte’s coaches have outlined. “Executing his role defensively,” Mueller said. “I think he’s made great strides with his one-on-one defense. Continuing to look for him to improve in terms of his coverage execution and understanding what we’re in and whether he’s on the ball or on the screener. And then offensively, keep it simple. Closeout reads, after actions, being quicker into those when he doesn’t have shot, drive, or pass against closeouts.”
- Michael Ajayi, who signed a two-way contract after going undrafted out of Butler, might be an under-the-radar player to watch coming out of Summer League, according to Boone. The 6’7″ forward impressed coaches with his ability to guard multiple positions. “I think Mike has done a great job in terms of accepting his role offensively,” Mueller said, “and then really mastering his role defensively in terms of being so versatile.”
Hornets Sign Steinbach, Anderson To Rookie Scale Contracts
The Hornets have agreed to rookie scale contracts with Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr., according to a press release from the team.
Steinbach, the No. 14 pick in the draft, is expected to receive a starting salary of $5,227,200. The total value of the four-year contract is $24,981,907, assuming team options are eventually exercised in the third and fourth seasons.
A 20-year-old big man who played for Würzburg in his home country of Germany in 2024/25, Steinbach joined the University of Washington for the ’25/26 season and made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the All-Big Ten third team as a freshman.
He led the nation with 11.8 rebounds per game, including 4.2 per game on the offensive boards. The 6’11” German also contributed 18.5 points, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 34.6 minutes per contest.
Anderson, a guard out of Texas Tech, was the No. 18 selection in the draft. He’s on track to earn $4,257,480 in his rookie year. His four-year contract will be worth $20,613,239 if those team options are exercised.
Anderson played 38.4 minutes per game in 33 starts for Texas Tech this past season, enjoying a breakout sophomore season as he claimed a spot on the All-Big 12 first team and was named the conference’s Most Improved Player. The 20-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, with a strong shooting line of .472/.415/.805.
Eastern Notes: Graves, Philon, Flemings, Hornets, Bulls
The Raptors possessed the No. 19 selection on Monday and chose Santa Clara wing Allen Graves, a player they had been hoping would be available and who multiple sources had indicated was high on their board, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.
Among other things, Graves impressed them with his steal rate and knack for offensive rebounding. He also converted 41.3 percent of his three-point shots as a freshman.
“As a player, he’s a high-processor, two-way player, wins the possession game, I think, on both ends of the floor,” Raptors executive vice president Bobby Webster said. “Obviously, a developing player as well, just played one year of college, so he’ll have the usual and typical adjustment to NBA pace, speed, quickness. But sort of a young prospect that we think does a few things really well on the defensive end, and then offensively, obviously shooting, feel for the game. So we thought we got one of the better two-way players in the draft.”
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:
- The Sixers used the No. 22 pick on Alabama guard Labaron Philon. It was a much-needed boost to a backcourt that was depleted when the club traded Jared McCain to the Thunder, Tony Jones of The Athletic writes. “He was pretty high on our board,” new Sixers president Mike Gansey said. “We were surprised he was there. He’s dynamic. He can play on or off the ball. He can score, and he can pass. He was the focal point of Alabama’s offense, and they played in the SEC, so he was playing against great athletes every night. He plays with an edge and a swag. He plays with some toughness.” Philon expects to make an immediate impact. “I want to come in and take pressure off Tyrese (Maxey) and VJ (Edgecombe),” Philon said. “I think we have a chance to have a special season coming up. With Joel Embiid and Paul George, we have a great roster. I believe that I can play at a high level, and that I’m going to be able to get into the paint and create shots.”
- After dealing Trae Young to the Wizards, the Hawks created a long-term hole at the point. They filled it with Kingston Flemings, the No. 8 pick in the draft. The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Michael Cunningham opines that Flemings is unlikely to become an elite play-maker like Young but says that he’s a good passer, provides better size and athleticism, and will be a better NBA defender than Young. Flemings is the prize Atlanta received when New Orleans gave away an unprotected first-rounder during last season’s draft night trade. “He’s just the ultimate competitor, especially at his position,” president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh said of Flemings. “Point-of-attack defender. Really high-level offensive player, super-efficient. The guy can just do a little bit of everything.”
- The Hornets had a pair of top 20 picks and grabbed University of Washington center Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson at No. 18. “Best rebounder in the draft,” president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said of Steinbach, per Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer. “He’s someone who is just continuously trying to get better. He’s very skilled, a very high IQ player. He fits us from a DNA standpoint.” Anderson will fortify their backcourt. “One of the best shooters in the draft,” Peterson said of the No. 18 pick. “He shot about 40% on three, just right under eight attempts a game. Shoots them off the balance, catch-and-shoot, spot ups — just in various ways. And then his IQ as well. He’s one of the best pick-and-roll players in the draft, too. Does a tremendous job of valuing the ball.”
- The Bulls selected Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain in the first round. President of basketball operations Bryson Graham is focused on establishing a defensive identity and those picks were made in large part with that in mind, Jay Cohen of The Associated Press writes. “The fastest way to find playing time and opportunity is on the defensive side of the ball,” Graham said. “So as Dailyn comes in and as Caleb comes in, I’m looking for them to be tone-setters on that side of the floor and be pillars for this organization going forward.”
Hornets Draft Hannes Steinbach Using No. 14 Pick
Washington center Hannes Steinbach is the final lottery pick of the 2026 draft. He’ll head to the Hornets, who selected him with the 14th overall pick.
A 20-year-old big man who played for Würzburg in his home country of Germany in 2024/25, Steinbach joined the Huskies for the ’25/26 season and made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the All-Big Ten third team as a freshman.
Steinbach’s calling card is his ability to protect the glass. He led the nation with 11.8 rebounds per game, including 4.2 per game on the offensive boards. The 6’11” German also contributed 18.5 points, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 34.6 minutes per contest.
Steinbach’s jump shot remains a work in progress – he hit 18-of-53 three-pointers (34.0%) for Washington – and he’s not a traditional rim protector or a versatile, switchable defender, notes Jeremy Woo of ESPN. However, his rebounding ability and scoring touch around the basket should make him a contributor in the NBA, especially if his shot keeps improving, Woo observes.
Steinbach provides an intriguing alternative to a frontcourt in flux. Miles Bridges, who is entering the final year of his contract, is considered a prime trade candidate. Brandon Miller underwent shoulder surgery last month and is eligible for a rookie scale extension. His health status for the start of next season remains a question mark.
Moussa Diabate was one of the league’s biggest surprises last season and recently had his modest salary by NBA standards guaranteed for next season but it’s certainly conceivable Steinbach could see some minutes at the five spot as a rookie.
Draft Rumors: Wagler, Brown, Ament, Hawks, Pelicans, Mavericks
The Clippers appear likely to keep their pick at No. 5 in tonight’s draft and decide between Illinois guard Keaton Wagler and Louisville guard Mikel Brown, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Although there’s been speculation since the lottery that L.A. might be willing to part with the selection in exchange for veteran help, Siegel states that there wasn’t “an ounce of chatter” over the weekend about the Clippers making a deal.
Siegel notes that Wagler could develop into an elite shooter alongside Darius Garland and can handle some play-making responsibilities as well. Brown offers a unique mix of size and athleticism for a guard and could become the team’s top scorer in the future.
Siegel states that Brown is virtually locked into being the fifth or sixth pick because the Nets are targeting him as well. Their opinion on Wagler is less clear, Siegel adds, and they’ve been listening to trade offers over the past few days in case Brown is off the board. Siegel suggests that Brooklyn might be willing to move down into the 8-12 range and target Nate Ament, Aday Mara or Morez Johnson.
There’s also a chance that the Nets could stay at No. 6 and take Ament, with multiple sources telling Siegel that they have “real interest” in the Tennessee forward. If that happens, it’s possible that Sacramento selects Darius Acuff with the seventh pick and Wagler falls all the way to Atlanta at No. 8. However, Siegel is skeptical of that scenario, saying that multiple teams outside the top 10 would like to trade up for Wagler and will become more motivated to make offers if he slips past the fifth pick.
Siegel has more on tonight’s first round:
- The Thunder have expressed interest in Ament if they’re able to package the 12th and 17th picks to move into the top 10, Siegel states. The Mavericks at No. 9 and the Bucks at No. 10 are also eyeing Ament if he’s still on the board.
- Siegel hears that the Hawks are listening to offers for their picks at No. 8 and No. 23. He considers it unlikely that Atlanta parts with the eighth pick, but says multiple teams have inquired about it, including the Thunder before the clubs agreed to the Aaron Wiggins trade.
- The Pelicans are trying to trade into the lottery, and Siegel states that the Warriors, Mavericks, Thunder and Hornets have been listening to their offers. All those teams are hoping to acquire Trey Murphy III, but Siegel says New Orleans is still seeking “multiple valuable assets” to part with Murphy. If the Pelicans are able to obtain a lottery pick, Siegel hears that they like Ament and Cameron Carr.
- Sources tell Siegel that the Mavericks have been shopping center Daniel Gafford and their 30th pick over the past week in hopes of moving into the top 20. Siegel cites the Raptors (No. 19) and Hornets (No. 14 and 18) as teams that might be interested and points to Carr and Labaron Philon as players that Dallas may target. He also states that the Mavs recently worked out Hannes Steinbach, who could be a long-term replacement for Gafford.
Draft Rumors: Nets, Mavericks, Pelicans, Grizzlies, Hawks
The Nets, who control the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, have tried to package that selection with future first-rounders to move into the top four, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
As evidenced by the fact that no deal has come to fruition, Brooklyn hasn’t had any luck on that front to this point. That seems unlikely to change, given the perceived tiers and strength of the top four prospects.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) continues to hear the Nets are fans of Nate Ament, who’s considered a more logical pick if the team moved back a few spots rather than up.
Here are some more rumors on the draft, with the first round set for Tuesday at 7:00 pm CT:
- The Mavericks have shown a willingness to move both up and particularly down in the draft, Fischer reports. Dallas and Brayden Burries have “mutual interest” if he’s still available at No. 9, but Fischer suggests the team could be even more open to moving down in the draft order if the Arizona guard is off the board.
- As for who might be interested in acquiring the ninth pick, Fischer points to the Pelicans (no first-round pick) and Grizzlies (No. 16) as teams with a desire to move up. Memphis also controls the third pick, Fischer notes, and has a long history of being active in the first round under president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman.
- Washington big man Hannes Steinbach has worked out for the Mavericks and could be a target if the team finds a suitable deal to move down, according to Fischer, whose sources say Dallas is also motivated to move up from No. 30.
- While Fischer hears the Hawks would view Dailyn Swain as an appealing choice if he’s available with the 23rd pick, that appears unlikely to happen, as the Texas wing is expected to be selected before that spot. Atlanta is likely to field interest in its second first-round pick (it also controls No. 8) in the lead-up to the draft, Fischer adds, and has signaled it’s open to moving the selection for future draft assets.
Warriors Open To Moving Down In Draft?
The Warriors are believed to be open to moving down in next week’s draft under the right circumstances, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, who says Golden State has been “very active in trade talks” in recent days and has looked into the possibility of adding a second first-round pick in the late teens.
According to Siegel, the Warriors called the Hornets a couple weeks ago to inquire about trading for the 14th and and 18th overall picks, presumably using their own lottery selection (11th overall). However, sources tell ClutchPoints that Charlotte had “no interest” in moving both of its first-rounders and is “very comfortable” with its current picks.
As Siegel explains, while the Warriors have been widely linked to Brayden Burries and the Michigan trio of Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson at No. 11, they’re also interested in a few prospects projected to go a little later than that. According to Siegel, that group includes Karim Lopez, Cameron Carr and “especially” Bennett Stirtz.
Stirtz was a late addition to Golden State’s pre-draft workout on Thursday, Siegel writes, and there have been rumblings about the former Iowa guard being a “dark-horse candidate” to be selected by the Warriors. Carr, who also participated in Thursday’s group workout, appears to be receiving legitimate interest from the team as well.
Appearing Thursday on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” show, Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski discussed in general terms what the team might be looking for at No. 11, as Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area relays.
“I think the obvious answer is someone who’s ready to play or he can play right away,” Podziemski said. “Someone that has experience, is physically mature enough to play in the games right away. I think that’s kind of, as an organization, where we’re at. We’re at the stage where we’re trying to win as much as we can.
“So I think with the 11th pick, you just got to look for a guy that’s ready to come in and make the impact right away.”
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area thinks Carr, Lendeborg, Burries, Johnson and Washington big man Hannes Steinbach would be the best fits for the Warriors, though he acknowledges Burries in particular may not last until the 11th pick.
Draft Notes: Warriors, Mavericks, Lopez, Rankings
The Warriors hosted a pre-draft workout on Thursday featuring five projected first-round picks, the team announced (via Twitter).
A total of nine prospects attended Thursday’s session. Here are those players:
- Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
- Cameron Carr, G, Baylor
- Anthony Dell’Orso, F, Arizona
- Barry Dunning, F, Pittsburgh
- Lajae Jones, F, Florida State
- Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
- Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
- Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
- Tre White, F, Kansas
Burries is the top-ranked prospect among the group, coming in at No. 11 on ESPN’s big board. Steinbach (No. 15), Philon (No. 16), Stirtz (No. 19) and Carr (No. 20) are all ranked within the top 20.
While Steinbach brings an elite skill (rebounding) to the table, Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area believes the German big man isn’t a great fit for Golden State due to his defensive limitations.
Here are few more notes on next week’s 2026 NBA draft:
- Christian Clark of The Athletic weighs the pros and cons of the Mavericks potentially drafting Burries, Kingston Flemings or Mikel Brown Jr. with the ninth overall pick, though he acknowledges it’s possible only of those guards will be available at that spot. Clark says he personally would favor Flemings, assuming the Houston guard is on the board, and writes that everyone on Dallas’ roster aside from Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving appears to be available in trade talks.
- New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez will likely become the first Mexican-born first-round pick on Tuesday, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated notes within a profile of the 19-year-old. Lopez is ranked 13th on ESPN’s board.
- In a story for ESPN.com, Jeremy Woo ranks the top prospects from both 2025 and 2026 based on how he viewed them coming out of college. Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg comes in at No. 1, followed by AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Dylan Harper. Woo’s 10-player list is rounded out by Kon Knueppel, who was selected fourth overall by Charlotte last year.
Warriors Rumors: Kawhi, Murphy, No. 11, Green, Porzingis, More
Even though Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are in their late-30s, the Warriors aren’t necessarily eager to make win-now moves that “mortgage the future for the present,” according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, who points out that Golden State hasn’t been very involved in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes this spring after pursuing the Bucks star at the trade deadline.
Still, that doesn’t mean that the Warriors aren’t remaining on the lookout for impact players who could be attainable on the trade market. The team would have interest in forward Kawhi Leonard, for instance, depending on the price tag, Slater writes, though Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has remained steadfastly against the idea of trading the two-time Finals MVP.
Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III is another player who has long been on Golden State’s radar, and he might be more attainable this offseason than in past transaction cycles, sources tell ESPN. Unlike Giannis and Kawhi, who are in their 30s, Murphy is entering his age-26 season, so acquiring him would help the Warriors accomplish their goal of getting younger.
New Orleans has set a high asking price for Murphy in past discussions, but there have been rumblings about the Pelicans looking to trade into this year’s lottery, and Golden State controls the No. 11 overall pick, Slater observes.
Here’s more from Slater on the Warriors:
- Assuming Golden State hangs onto the No. 11 pick, Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, Arizona guard Brayden Burries, Michigan center Aday Mara, Louisville guard Mikel Brown, and Houston guard Kingston Flemings are among the names to watch, according to Slater, though a few of those players figure to be off the board by the time the Warriors are on the clock. One team source told ESPN that Lendeborg’s fit is “so obvious” and that his age (24 in September) won’t disqualify him, while Slater adds that Mara, Brown, and Flemings all have “fans” within the organization.
- As for Burries, he has declined workouts with some teams drafting in the top 10, including the Kings (No. 7). But the Mavericks (No. 9) are viewed as one of his preferred landing spots and he’s also scheduled to work out for Golden State on Thursday, Slater reports. Team sources tell ESPN that Burries will be one of several notable prospects visiting the Bay Area on Thursday, along with Alabama guard Labaron Philon and Washington big man Hannes Steinbach.
- If having Green decline his $27.6MM player option and signing a new multiyear contract that lowers his 2026/27 cap hit gives the Warriors a direct path to a roster upgrade elsewhere, that remains the team’s preferred route, says Slater, but the current expectation is that Green will simply pick up his option. That wouldn’t bother the Warriors, who like the idea of keeping their books relatively clean beyond next season, Slater continues. That scenario would put Green on an expiring contract, making him a potential trade candidate, but team sources tell ESPN there’s still mutual interest in having him finish his career in Golden State.
- There’s “growing momentum” toward the Warriors bringing back Kristaps Porzingis on a short-term deal that reduces his salary after he earned more than $30MM in 2025/26, Slater writes. Slater adds that Al Horford‘s decision on a $5.9MM player option remains unclear, but De’Anthony Melton is considered likely to turn down his $3.4MM option to test the free agent market. That wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Melton re-signing with Golden State, Slater clarifies.
- Extension discussions for players who are under contract for 2026/27 figure to happen later in the summer. That might include a rookie scale extension for guard Brandin Podziemski, with Slater reporting that there’s “optimism” about the two sides reaching a deal closer to the October deadline.
- In case you missed it, Slater also stated that the Warriors view LeBron James as likely to re-sign with the Lakers.
NBA Announces Final List Of 2026 Draft Early Entrants
Serbian center Pavle Backo withdrew from the 2026 draft prior to Saturday’s deadline, according to the NBA (Twitter link). He joins Francesco Ferrari and Luigi Suigo as international prospects who withdrew before the league’s deadline on June 13 (three others withdrew prior to the NCAA’s deadline on May 27).
As the NBA confirms, a total of 31 early entrants have decided to keep their names in this year’s draft, which will take place next week on June 23 and 24.
Here are the 26 college underclassmen who are remaining in the draft:
- Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas (freshman)
- Nate Ament, F, Tennessee (freshman)
- Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech (sophomore)
- Cameron Boozer, F, Duke (freshman)
- Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville (freshman)
- Brayden Burries, G, Arizona (freshman)
- Cameron Carr, G, Baylor (junior)
- Chris Cenac, F/C, Houston (freshman)
- AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU (freshman)
- Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke (sophomore)
- Kingston Flemings, G, Houston (freshman)
- Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara (freshman)
- Morez Johnson, F/C, Michigan (sophomore)
- Aday Mara, C, Michigan (junior)
- Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford (freshman)
- Koa Peat, F, Arizona (freshman)
- Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas (freshman)
- Labaron Philon, G, Alabama (sophomore)
- Jayden Quaintance, F/C, Kentucky (sophomore)
- Hannes Steinbach, F, Washington (freshman)
- Dailyn Swain, G/F, Texas (junior)
- Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas (freshman)
- Bryson Tucker, F, Washington (sophomore)
- Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina (junior)
- Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois (freshman)
- Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina (freshman)
Here are the five international early entrants who are staying in the draft (the country indicates where the player had been playing, not necessarily where he was born):
- Mohammad Amini, G/F, France (born 2005)
- Sergio De Larrea, G, Spain (born 2005)
- Vsevolod Ishchenko, G, Russia (born 2005)
- Jack Kayil, G, Germany (born 2006)
- Karim Lopez, F, Australia (born 2007)
The total number of early entrants has been trending sharply downward in recent years. This is due in part to players who were granted an extra year of eligibility in 2021 due to COVID-19 having graduated, meaning we no longer have dozens of “seniors” on the early entrant list. Additionally, the implementation of a rule allowing student athletes to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) has made college basketball more lucrative than going pro for many young players.
Back in 2022, a total of 283 early entrants tested the draft waters and 149 kept their names in the draft pool. In 2025, those figures were down to just 109 and 46, respectively, and this year’s totals were just 72 and 31.
Our 2026 NBA draft early entrants list has been updated to reflect the latest changes. In addition to the 31 prospects listed above, our tracker also includes the 41 players who withdrew from the draft, including Backo, Ferrari and Suigo.