While Hannes Steinbach was being interviewed by ESPN after being selected as the 14th pick in this year’s NBA Draft, viewers were treated to a taped video message from Dirk Nowitzki. However, an unfortunate technical issue meant that the audio didn’t work. All that millions of fans could see was the German basketball legend speaking, but they couldn’t hear his heartfelt words.
It was later revealed that Nowitzki had a special message for his fellow countryman. “Hannes, congratulations, my friend. Another boy from Würzburg in the league, unbelievable,” Nowitzki said in the video. “I’ve known you since your birth. I have followed your path and am incredibly proud of how you’ve handled everything.”
The former Mavericks superstar also advised Steinbach to enjoy the moment with his family. He even made a light-hearted joke about Steinbach’s father Burkhard, with whom he had played in Würzburg: “I’m glad you didn’t inherit your father’s athleticism and hands,” the 48-year-old joked.
Würzburg Connection Runs Deep
The connection between the Nowitzki and Steinbach families goes back decades. Burkhard Steinbach was a teammate of Nowitzki’s at DJK Würzburg in the 1990s. Like his father, Hannes Steinbach also hails from Würzburg, where he spent much of his basketball training before making the leap to the United States.
The center initially played for the Würzburg Baskets and then developed into one of the top big men in college basketball at the University of Washington. Averaging 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds, he led the Huskies and made his way onto the NBA draft boards.
Hornets Eager to Have Steinbach
Steinbach himself expressed positivity after his selection regarding his interaction with the Charlotte Hornets. “The discussions with the front office and coaching staff were very good. They clearly showed me that they see me as an important part of their team,” said the 20-year-old.
Together with Christian Anderson Jr., who was also picked just four selections later by the Hornets, Steinbach is expected to be a vital component of the franchise’s young core moving forward.
