The Charlotte Hornets have assigned 20-year-old prospects Christian Anderson Jr. and Hannes Steinbach to their G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. The move, which shifts both players to the league’s developmental tier, comes after the organization brought the two German talents into their system.
First-Round Picks Arrive in Charlotte with High Expectations
Both players arrived in Charlotte with significant expectations as former first-round selections. Christian Anderson Jr. was selected 18th overall in the NBA Draft this past June. Hannes Steinbach was chosen 14th overall, marking the highest draft position for a German player since the Orlando Magic selected Franz Wagner with the eighth pick in 2021.
The transition to professional basketball in the United States has been rapid for both. Steinbach, a native of Würzburg, signed his first professional contract with the Würzburg Baskets in 2024 at age 18. He subsequently moved to the University of Washington for one season of collegiate competition before entering the NBA. Anderson Jr., who grew up in Atlanta, holds German citizenship through his father, a former professional player in Germany.
Developmental Path in Greensboro
The assignment to the Greensboro Swarm is designed to provide consistent playing time that is often limited for younger players within the primary NBA rotation.
Their performance with the Greensboro Swarm will now serve as an opportunity for Christian Anderson Jr. and Hannes Steinbach to collect arguments for a return to the NBA.
Questions Regarding the Transition
Why were Anderson Jr. and Steinbach moved to the G League?
The Hornets reassigned the players to ensure they receive consistent playing time. The G League is utilized by NBA franchises as a developmental platform to provide younger prospects with game experience when they are not yet part of the primary rotation.
What is the background of these players?
Both are 20-year-old German talents who were selected in the first round of the most recent NBA Draft. Steinbach played for the Würzburg Baskets and the University of Washington, while Anderson Jr. holds German citizenship through his father and grew up in Atlanta.
How does this affect their status with the German national team?
Both players are considered significant prospects for the German Basketball Federation (DBB).
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