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What Dirk Nowitzki told Hannes Steinbach before 2026 NBA Draft
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- What Dirk Nowitzki told Hannes Steinbach before 2026 NBA Draft
Hannes Steinbach is one of many intriguing center prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Washington product was a third-team All-Big Ten selection after averaging 18.5 points and a nation-leading 11.8 rebounds as a freshman.
A physical presence inside, Steinbach should be a top-level rebounder in the NBA sooner rather than later, and his 3-point shot show promise despite limited attempts.
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Steinbach is from Germany, so of course he's getting the Dirk Nowitzki comps. Well, Steinbach and Nowitzki actually have a connection. Here's what we know about it.
How does Hannes Steinbach know Dirk Nowitzki?
They're both natives of Würzburg, Germany. Steinbach's father, Burkhard Steinbach, played five seasons with Nowitzki in the German League. Nowitzki and Hannes met several times during the latter's childhood, and they still keep in touch now.
What advice did Dirk Nowitzki give Hannes Steinbach?
Steinbach said recently he spoke to Nowitzki once before the draft, and he gave him a sound piece of advice.
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"He told me to enjoy the process," Steinbach told reporters at the Golden State Warriors ' facility. "It's a stressful process, but it's a thing you go through one time so just stay enjoying it."
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What Dirk Nowitzki told Hannes Steinbach before 2026 NBA Draft
