The 2026 NBA draft approaches, and a standout name is Washington’s Hannes Steinbach. It’s notable for a Washington player to be among the NBA prospects, as schools like Duke and North Carolina typically see their players drafted in the first round.

Zach Buckley from Bleacher Report released a mock draft on May 23, where he projects Steinbach going to the Chicago Bulls at number 15. Buckley comments on Chicago’s plan to enhance their size and strength with this selection, highlighting Steinbach’s impressive measurements at the Combine. Standing 6’10” barefoot with a 7’2″ wingspan, Steinbach has increased his weight to 248 pounds, up from 220 at the start of the season.

Steinbach’s rebounding prowess stands out in this draft class. He actively positions himself near the basket, aggressively pursues rebounds, and demonstrates an instinctive ability to secure them on both the offensive and defensive ends. This energy and effort are highly valued across NBA teams.

Offensively, Steinbach showcases more polish than some anticipate. He plays with grit and assurance near the basket, making him challenging to defend. His potential growth in his outside shooting could elevate his game further. While he has shown potential to hit perimeter shots, continued progress here could make him a formidable opponent.