NBA Draft: Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Selected

Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson have been selected in the NBA draft, joining the Charlotte Hornets. Steinbach earned his NBA recommendation through a strong college season with the Washington Huskies, following his earlier career with Würzburg in the Bundesliga. At the draft gala in the Barclays Center, the arena of the Brooklyn Nets, the German junior national player embraced his father, Burkhard. His father, a former Bundesliga player who once played alongside Dirk Nowitzki for Würzburg, sent a congratulatory video message. "Congratulations, my dear. Another boy from Würzburg," Nowitzki said in the video. "I've known you since you were born. I am super proud of how you have mastered everything. Enjoy this moment."

The number of German players in the NBA is steadily increasing. Anderson, a German-American born in Atlanta who has also played for the German senior national team, became a U19 vice world champion with Germany in 2025 alongside Steinbach. Jack Kayil from the German champions Alba Berlin was also registered for the draft. This influx continues the trend of German talent entering the league. In the recently concluded season, Dennis Schröder (Cleveland), Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner, Tristan da Silva (all Orlando), Maximilian Kleber (Los Angeles Lakers), Isaiah Hartenstein (Oklahoma City), and Ariel Hukporti (New York Knicks) were active in the NBA.

As anticipated, AJ Dybantsa was the first player selected, by the Washington Wizards. The 19-year-old forward had just completed his first college year at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Jack Kayil is considered a candidate for the second round on Wednesday (local time), with the Golden State Warriors reportedly being a potential club.

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Glückwunsch, mein Lieber. Ein weiterer Junge aus Würzburg. Ich kenne dich, seit du geboren bist. Ich bin superstolz, wie du alles gemeistert hast. Genieß diesen Moment.