2026 NBA Draft: Hannes Steinbach Scouting Report

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.

Hannes Steinbach

Position: Forward/Center

College: Washington

Class: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'11", 220 lbs

Birthdate: May 1, 2006

Previous Team: Wurzburg Baskets (Germany)

Player Overview

Hannes Steinbach is a skilled, physical big man with an impressive blend of touch, strength, and feel for the game. At 6’11” with a solid frame and strong hands, he impacts the game through interior positioning, rebounding, and high-level processing in pick-and-roll actions. Steinbach’s footwork stands out, allowing him to finish efficiently around the rim and stay composed under pressure. He’s shown flashes of shooting ability and passing touch, particularly as a high-post facilitator, and plays with a mature sense of purpose that belies his age. Defensively, Steinbach is a dependable interior presence who competes on the glass and alters shots, though lateral quickness and perimeter mobility remain areas for improvement. He projects as a productive two-way big man who can contribute early and grow into a modern frontcourt anchor with continued skill and versatility development.

Strengths

• Footwork: Fundamentally sound and efficient; creates scoring angles and maintains balance around the rim.

• Physicality: Mature frame with good strength; consistently initiates and absorbs contact inside.

• Hands & Touch: Catches cleanly and finishes well through traffic; soft touch around the basket.

• Rebounding: Aggressive on the glass on both ends; positions himself well and attacks the ball with force.

• Passing Feel: Smart, connective passer from the high post and short roll; reads defenses quickly.

• Pick-and-Roll Awareness: Sets solid screens and processes actions well as a roller; quick to make decisions.

• Transition Play: Runs the floor with purpose, filling lanes and finding early scoring opportunities.

  
  

Concerns

• Perimeter Defense: Lacks lateral quickness; struggles to stay balanced and in front of quicker ball-handlers.

• Shooting Development: Needs to show more consistency as a perimeter threat to stretch defenses.

• Defensive Balance: Can get off balance when defending drives; must improve discipline and footwork in space.

• Offensive Range: Relies heavily on interior touches; expanding face-up and mid-range game will enhance versatility.

  
  

Bottom Line

Steinbach is a physical, skilled big man who plays with maturity, composure, and a clear understanding of his strengths. His combination of footwork, touch, and interior presence gives him a strong foundation as a two-way contributor. Continued improvement as a shooter and perimeter defender will be key in determining where he fits within the NBA draft landscape. If he expands his range and improves mobility, Steinbach has the tools to develop into a highly effective frontcourt piece at the next level.