Hannes Steinbach has 19 points, 10 boards in loss

Steinbach went off for his first monster game of Summer League, though it wasn’t enough for the Hornets to beat the Bucks. The 20-year-old power forward showed his tremendous fantasy upside as he was relentless on the offensive end with 27 points and seven offensive rebounds. Steinbach will be in Charlotte’s big man rotation right away and has incredible potential if he ends up starting.

Kalkbrenner was solid for the Hornets as a rookie, especially early on. He showcased more playmaking in this game than he did as a rookie, but he also did a lot of the things that he did as a rookie. Shot blocking, rebounding and interior shooting were all strengths for Kalkbrenner last season, and he should once again be in the center rotation for Charlotte this season alongside Moussa Diabate, Naz Reid and Hannes Steinbach.

It wasn’t a flawless debut for Steinbach, but he showcased why he is such a good prospect for fantasy basketball. He’s a double-double machine, and even if he isn’t the best defender, he has a knack for racking up defensive stats. He’ll compete for minutes down low during his rookie season, and there is a path for him to get the starting job and become a fantasy monster in year one.

The 6-foot-10 Steinbach needed just one season to show that he was worthy of being a first-round pick, thanks largely to his hands and rebounding ability. As a freshman at Washington, the German forward/center averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks, shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 75.9 percent from the foul line. Steinbach did show some signs of potentially being able to expand his offensive game, but the rebounding and touch around the basket are where he’ll stand out early on in his career. While Moussa Diabaté emerged as a reliable contributor and Ryan Kalkbrenner provided depth as a rookie, the Hornets still needed to improve their options in the post. Adding Steinbach accomplishes that goal, and his ability as a rebounder and defender opens the door for him to earn rotation minutes as a rookie.

Diabaté, who finished Tuesday’s overtime win over the Heat with eight points, 14 rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in 36 minutes, is dealing with a sore left hip. If he’s unable to play on Friday, the Hornets would turn to Ryan Kalkbrenner and Grant Williams to fill the resulting void.

After missing Friday’s win over the Pacers, Diabaté is back and will assume his usual duties as the Hornets’ starting center. Ryan Kalkbrenner will head to the bench, which limits his fantasy value.

Diabaté did not play in Friday’s win over the Pacers, prompting Ryan Kalkbrenner to make his first start since February 22. With the Hornets’ usual starting center on track to play, Kalkbrenner will head to the bench, limiting his fantasy value.

With Moussa Diabaté out with a sore ankle, Kalkbrenner made his first start since February 22 on Friday. He didn’t offer a great deal as a scorer, but the rebounds and blocks are what most fantasy managers rostering the rookie center are looking for. If Diabaté remains out for Sunday’s game in Minnesota, another start will be in the cards for Kalkbrenner.

The Hornets are down a starter for Friday’s game, as Moussa Diabaté is out with a sore left ankle. Kalkbrenner moves into the starting five and should play plenty, as Grant Williams is also out for the Hornets.

Diabaté will miss Friday’s game with a sore left ankle, likely meaning that Ryan Kalkbrenner will start. Taking on that role would raise the rookie’s fantasy ceiling, especially in what appears to be a favorable matchup for the Hornets.