Hannes Steinbach deserves a bigger role amid Hornets’ offensive nightmare

Nathan Doyle argues that the Charlotte Hornets should grant rookie forward Hannes Steinbach a larger role amid their struggling offense. Head coach Charles Lee's squad holds a 3-6 record, is enduring a five-game losing streak, and currently posts the NBA's worst offensive rating. Despite being drafted 14th overall in 2026, Steinbach has been restricted to just three bench appearances this season, averaging 7.7 minutes per game.

Doyle suggests that deploying Steinbach could inject much-needed energy into the rotation and aid his development. While veteran Naz Reid commands significant frontcourt minutes, the writer proposes that Steinbach could be utilized at small forward or small-ball center, especially while Kon Knueppel recovers from an ailment.