Charlotte Hornets rookie Moritz Wagner has exceeded expectations in the NBA Summer League, showcasing exceptional footwork, shooting, and rebounding. The former University of Washington power forward recorded his third double-double in five games with 22 points and 11 rebounds against the Sacramento Kings. His performance has generated excitement among fans about his potential role in the upcoming season.
It has taken NBA followers just five summer league games to come to the following conclusion. Taken at No. 14 overall by the Charlotte Hornets, the former University of Washington power forward and German import has shown himself to be far better than anyone anticipated.
His footwork is impeccable. His shot election is as wise as it comes. His athleticism represents a total surprise to those who didn't see him before he turned pro. On Friday night, the 6-foot-10 Steinbach maneuvered his way to his third double-double performance in five outings in Las Vegas, collecting 22 points and 11 rebounds against the Sacramento Kings.
Alas, the Hornets lost their fourth consecutive summer league game, 92-90, but as if anyone was concerned about an outcome that involves very few players who will be on the roster when the games begin for real. Steinbach even took -- and hit -- a 3-point shot, two actually, and his first of the summer league, demonstrating what's possible to the Hornets fan base.
The former Husky was at his peak effectiveness by hitting 7 of 10 shots overall, using his exquisite footwork to position himself inside for high-percentage shots. Steinbach is just mesmerizing to watch as he drives to the basket unheeded, tosses in reverse lay-ins and grabs more rebounds than everyone else. He is up to 22 PTS... SAC/CHA NBA Summer League play is a 2-point game in the 4Q on Prime!
Since coming to Nevada, he's had games of 15 and 11 rebounds against the Orlando Magic, a quiet 7 and 6 against the New Orleans Pelicans, another low-kwy 8 and 5 against the Boston Celtics, 27 and 15 against the Milwaukee Bucks and his 22 and 11 against the Kings. So fundamentally sound, Steinbach looks like he's ready made for the NBA and a prominent role once the season begins for real in October.
"Because he has superb hands and catches everything in his area without bobbling, he can keep the offense in rhythm with passes or with clean and quick finishes," said insider Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. "He also stood out as a rebounder even against bigger competition. ": "Hannes Steinbach caught my eye for the Charlotte Hornets.
I left before his monster 27-point, 15-rebound game against Milwaukee, but he played well against Orlando and looked the part with his movements and ability to keep the offense flowing.
"There's no telling how effective Steinbach will be -- and this was a problem at the UW besides this summer league so far -- when he's surrounded by nothing but accomplished players. Dan Raley has worked for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, as well as for MSN.com and Boeing, the latter as a global aerospace writer. His sportswriting career spans four decades and he's covered University of Washington football and basketball during much of that time.
In a working capacity, he's been to the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the MLB playoffs, the Masters, the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship and countless Final Fours and bowl games.
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