Hannes Steinbach: A Rising NBA Draft Prospect from Washington

As the 2026 NBA draft draws near, Washington’s own Hannes Steinbach stands out among the emerging talents. While powerhouse schools like Duke and North Carolina frequently see first-round picks, having a player from Washington in such a position is noteworthy.

Zach Buckley from Bleacher Report shared his draft projections on Saturday, May 23. He predicts that Steinbach will be picked at No. 15 by the Chicago Bulls. Buckley highlights Chicago’s strategy to become bigger, stronger, and more physical, suggesting that selecting Steinbach aligns with this goal. At the Combine, Steinbach impressed with his physical attributes: he measured 6’10” without shoes, had a 7’2″ wingspan, and weighed in at 248 pounds, up from 220 pounds earlier in the season.

“Chicago’s effort to grow bigger, stronger and more physical this summer would be furthered with this selection,” Zach Buckley states.

Steinbach’s potential is evident in his rebounding prowess. He remains active around the basket, aggressively pursues rebounds, and demonstrates a keen instinct for gathering boards both offensively and defensively. This tenacity and energy are qualities coveted by NBA teams.

Offensively, Steinbach exhibits more skill than often credited. His toughness and confidence near the basket make him a formidable opponent. However, his potential game-changer is his developing outside shot. As he continues to refine this aspect, he could present significant matchup challenges.