News Summary
The Charlotte Hornets have officially announced the signing of Ryan Kalkbrenner as their 34th overall pick in the NBA Draft. The 7-foot-1 center joins the team following the trade of Mark Williams, bringing impressive collegiate stats and defensiveness to the roster. Kalkbrenner expressed enthusiasm for joining the Hornets, who are excited about the strategic benefits he will bring to both offense and defense. This significant addition is expected to help the team enhance their competitive edge for the upcoming season.
Charlotte – The Charlotte Hornets officially announced the introduction of Ryan Kalkbrenner as the team’s 34th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft during a news conference held on Friday. Kalkbrenner, a 7-foot-1 center, was one of the four players selected by the Hornets in this year’s draft, marking a significant addition to the team’s roster following the recent trade of starting center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns.
Wearing a No. 32 jersey—the number he donned during his freshman season at Creighton—Kalkbrenner expressed his enthusiasm for joining the organization that welcomed him warmly during his pre-draft workout. The energy and excitement present within the Hornets’ environment were particularly noteworthy for him, creating a positive outlook for his integration into the team.
As a standout player during his collegiate career, Kalkbrenner averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game in his fifth season at Creighton. His performance earned him recognition as a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, reflecting his capabilities in leading Creighton’s defense. Notably, during games when Kalkbrenner was on the court, opposing teams attempted 4.9% fewer shots at the rim, highlighting his impact on defensive strategies.
Despite his prowess in shot-blocking and rim protection, Kalkbrenner averaged 7.6 rebounds over his last four seasons. He shot 65.3% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range in his final season, showcasing his offensive skills alongside his defensiveness. Kalkbrenner aims to further develop his perimeter defense to become more versatile in the league, which aligns with the evolving needs of NBA centers.
Jeff Peterson, the Hornets’ Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, highlighted the opportunity that lies ahead for Kalkbrenner and the diverse center options available for the team. The Hornets’ head coach, Charles Lee, expressed excitement over the prospect of having three different centers on the roster, each presenting unique challenges for opposing teams. This strategic advantage is expected to enhance the team’s defensive and offensive capabilities in upcoming games.
Kalkbrenner’s background includes being a native of St. Louis, raised in Florissant, and playing at Trinity Catholic High School. His experience is significant, having participated in 138 of a possible 169 collegiate games, which has helped him develop leadership and communication skills vital for success at the professional level.
With the departure of Williams, Kalkbrenner is anticipated to fill a critical gap within the Hornets’ lineup. His combination of size, skill, and defensive ability positions him as a key player for the team moving forward. The Hornets hope that Kalkbrenner’s contributions, both defensively and offensively, will propel them to improved outcomes in the upcoming NBA season.
In conclusion, Ryan Kalkbrenner’s introduction as a key addition to the Charlotte Hornets reflects the organization’s commitment to enhancing their roster. With strong collegiate performance metrics and a determined mindset for development, Kalkbrenner is positioned to make a notable impact during his transition to the NBA.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Analyzing the Charlotte Hornets’ Selection of Ryan Kalkbrenner
- Wikipedia: Ryan Kalkbrenner
- Hornets.com: Charlotte Hornets Draft Ryan Kalkbrenner
- Google Search: Ryan Kalkbrenner
- Fox2Now: St. Louis Native Ryan Kalkbrenner Picked by Charlotte Hornets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA Draft
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte Hornets Draft Ryan Kalkbrenner
- Google News: Charlotte Hornets
- At The Hive: Charlotte Hornets Select Ryan Kalkbrenner
Author: HERE Charlotte
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