Why Charles Lee Needs to Play Hannes Steinbach Now

Charlotte Hornets guard Liam McNeeley (33) directs forward Hannes Steinbach (22) during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at the Spectrum Center. | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Daniel Benjamin, EditorThrough the first stretch of the 2026–27 NBA season, the Charlotte Hornets are navigating a transitional year defined by rotation tweaks and structural shifts. But while head coach Charles Lee continues searching for consistent frontcourt flow, one major question lingers among fans and analysts: why is lottery pick Hannes Steinbach glued to the bench?Drafted 14th overall out of the University of Washington, Steinbach came to Charlotte as the nation’s leading college rebounder, averaging 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game in his lone NCAA season. Steinbach proved that his production was no fluke during the Las Vegas Summer League, racking up double-doubles—including a pair of dominant 20-plus-point outings.Yet, through Charlotte’s opening stretch of the regular season, Steinbach has logged just 14 total minutes. Twelve of those came during a blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and two came late in garbage time against the Washington Wizards. He also didn’t see the floor in Charlotte’s recent matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.If the Hornets want to develop their lottery investment, this trend needs to change immediately.The Positional Lock and the Development TrapLee’s hesitancy stems partly from how Charlotte views Steinbach’s position. While he showcased perimeter comfort and power-forward versatility in Europe (Würzburg Baskets) and in college, the coaching staff clearly views him primarily as a center.Within that hierarchy, Moussa Diabaté has earned the starter’s role through relentless energy and offensive glass work, while Ryan Kalkbrenner provides traditional rim protection off the bench.Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee argues with referee Tyler Ricks (95) during their game against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectWhen Lee addressed Steinbach’s development, the focus remains on long-term growth: picking up NBA coverages, building physical strength, calling out defensive assignments, and anchoring the backline at the five spot.Talked to Charles Lee on how he’s feeling about Hannes Steinbach’s development thus far, and asked what the next step is for Hannes in order to see some more minutes: https://t.co/uApZVH1dAD— Owen Watterson (@0wenwatterson) October 31, 2026While simplifying playbooks and weight-room progression are essential, there is a fundamental flaw in keeping a rookie big man on ice. You cannot learn to anchor an NBA defense or develop positional confidence by watching from the sideline. Practice repetitions help build the baseline, but live-game speed is where reaction times are sharpened.The Grant Williams CountdownWhat makes Steinbach’s lack of playing time even more alarming is Charlotte’s current injury report. Veteran frontcourt piece Grant Williams has yet to play this season due to injury.If Steinbach cannot earn rotational minutes while Williams is sidelined, what happens when the frontcourt returns to full health? Once Williams re-enters the lineup to absorb power forward and small-ball center minutes, Steinbach’s path to the floor will be virtually sealed off.Holding the 14th overall pick in reserve until an injury forces your hand in December or January delays crucial developmental milestones.Why Hannes Steinbach Deserves Quality Minutes NowCharlotte Hornets forward Hannes Steinbach (22) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies center Quinten Post (41) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Photo Credit: Petre Thomas, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectWhile Diabaté remains Charlotte’s premier interior scoring threat, Steinbach has greater upside as an all-around offensive scorer. Diabaté generates second-chance looks through sheer hustle, but Steinbach brings a more polished scoring touch around the rim, out of high-screen actions, and from the mid-post.Nobody expects Lee to hand the rookie 25 minutes a night immediately. But capping a lottery pick at zero meaningful minutes outside of blowouts creates a developmental bottleneck.Carving out a structured 8-to-10 minutes per game in regular rotations gives Charlotte clear advantages:Accelerates Defensive CommunicationAs Lee noted, anchoring an NBA defense is the toughest adjustment for a young center—a skill honed only through real-time game reps against opposing starters and backups.Builds Real-Game ConfidenceSummer League proved what Steinbach can do when featured; translating that output into the regular season will require consistent exposure to NBA physicality.Maximizes the Current Injury WindowUsing this stretch while Williams recovers allows Charlotte to evaluate what they have in Steinbach before the frontcourt rotation tightens further.Last WordThe Hornets selected Steinbach at No. 14 because of his elite rebounding motor and interior upside. Keeping him parked on the bench while waiting for defensive perfection prevents him from reaching that potential.To turn promising flashes into real production, Charlotte needs to let their rookie big man learn on the floor. Confidence isn’t built on the bench—it’s earned in the game.What’s your take? Should  Lee carve out 8–10 minutes of rotation for Steinbach right now, or should he stay patient behind Diabaté and Kalkbrenner? Let me know in the comments.More NBA News:Why Kon Knueppel’s Return Won’t Save the Hornets’ Broken Offense3 Promising Expectations For The Charlotte Hornets In The 2026-27 NBA SeasonThe Top 10 Hornets Players Of All-Time — Is LaMelo Ball In?Photo Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect