Hornets Steal Rim Protector Ryan Kalkbrenner at No. 34

A four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, joining only Patrick Ewing in that elite club. Kalkbrenner brings shot-blocking instincts at the center spot. In his senior season, he averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 65.3% from the field and knocking down over 34% from deep, an added wrinkle that makes his upside even more intriguing in today’s spacing-heavy NBA.

For a Hornets team that ranked near the bottom of the league in opponent field goal percentage at the rim, Kalkbrenner’s arrival addresses an urgent need. His ability to defend pick-and-roll actions, anchor the paint, and offer vertical spacing on offense makes him a natural fit next to Charlotte’s young core.

While questions about his lateral quickness remain, Kalkbrenner’s IQ, frame, and discipline suggest he could contribute earlier than most second-rounders. And for a Hornets franchise looking to climb out of rebuilding mode, that’s no small thing.

Following the trade of Mark Williams during the first round, Charlotte found themselves with only Moussa Diabate and Jusuf Nurkic as reliable big men on the roster. The addition of another presence in the middle was a definite need.

Hornets fans, meet your new protector in the paint. He might not have the glitz, but Ryan Kalkbrenner has the game.