The confusing beginning of Hannes Steinbach's NBA career took another twist on Wednesday.
Steinbach, who was drafted No. 14 overall out of Washington this summer by the Charlotte Hornets, was sent down to the team's G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, on November 5 but recalled on November 6 in time to pull down 11 rebounds in 27 minutes in a loss to the Boston Celtics on November 7.
By Tuesday, Charlotte had sent Steinbach back down to the Swarm, where he debuted on Wednesday in a 120-112 loss at Raptors 905. In 45 minutes, the former Husky led Greensboro with 29 points and 16 rebounds, setting Swarm records for total rebounds and offensive rebounds (9) and becoming the first player in franchise history to rack up 25+ points and 15+ rebounds.
Steinbach was 13-of-18 from the field and also had 3 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal.
On Thursday, Steinbach added to that performance with 27 points and 21 rebounds on 9-of-17 from the field in another game against Raptors 905, which Greensboro won 134-106. The one-and-done star on Montlake added 4 blocks this time, plus an assist. The performance made Steinbach the first player in G League history to record at least 55 points and 35 rebounds in his first two career games.
Hannes Steinbach put together his second dominant night in a row with a 20-20 performance! 🔥
— Greensboro Swarm (@greensboroswarm) November 13, 2026
27 PTS
21 REB
4 BLK pic.twitter.com/OyvyabvXhR
So, after two historic games, the question is: why is Steinbach in the G League in the first place? The Hornets are 4-8 this season, have three rotation players - 2025 All-Rookie first team honoree Kon Knueppel (hamstring), guard Brandon Miller (hip), and guard Dennis Schroder (hamstring) - out due to injury, and only just got center Moussa Diabate (quad) and forward Grant Williams (hamstring) back from injuries on Thursday. The team is searching for a new identity after trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer and seems to be in a rebuild phase, but has yet to give minutes to their young players to evaluate their development.
Steinbach has only appeared in 5 NBA games, averaging 2.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game with the Hornets. He has attempted just 16 shots during those minutes, hardly enough to get into a rhythm or show Charlotte's coaching staff and front office what he's capable of - which the Hornets should already have an idea of, since they spent the No. 14 pick on him.
Until the Hornets change their mind, however, it looks like Washington's best player from a season ago will continue to dominate the G League ranks.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Hannes Steinbach sets G League record in first 2 games since send down
