The anticipation for the 2026 NBA draft is building as Hannes Steinbach from Washington gains attention as a noteworthy prospect. While traditional powerhouses like Duke and North Carolina consistently send players to the first round, Steinbach brings a refreshing prominence to Washington basketball.
A mock draft released on May 23 by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report positions Steinbach at No. 15. This prospect is projected to join the Chicago Bulls, signaling a strategic move for a team aiming to enhance its physical presence this summer.
Chicago’s effort to grow bigger, stronger, and more physical this summer would be furthered with this selection,Buckley remarks. Steinbach impressed at the Combine with his measurements, standing at 6’10” barefoot, possessing a 7’2″ wingspan, and increasing his bulk to 248 pounds from 220 at the onset of the college season.
Steinbach’s rebounding skills are notable, potentially ranking among the top in this draft class. He is relentless around the basket, actively pursuing rebounds on both ends of the court. His ability to anticipate and retrieve rebounds is a distinctive trait that NBA teams highly value.
Offensively, Steinbach is more developed than he might appear. His interior play exudes toughness and confidence, posing challenges for defenders near the basket. A potential evolution in his game lies in his perimeter shooting ability. If this aspect continues to progress, Steinbach could become a challenging matchup for opponents, further raising his draft stock.