Measurements aren't everything, but they certainly matter, especially when the measurements back up the tape. Washington's Hannes Steinbach has some of the best tape in college basketball; he's a double-double machine in a tough Big Ten conference. Yet, there was a ton of concern about his height, weight, wingspan, all the measureables. He showed up at Washington measuring 6'9.
That's big and fine for college basketball, but it's not big enough to be a center in the NBA. A player needs to at least flirt with 7'0 (with shoes on). Steinbach grew while at Washington because he's now measuring an eye-popping 6'10.25 barefoot. That's a really good size. Add in the fact that he has an over seven-foot wingspan and a 9'0 standing reach, and he's got to be flying up NBA Draft boards.
Washington's Hannes Steinbach measured 6'10.25 barefoot and 248 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, with a 7'2.25 wingspan and 9'0 standing reach.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2026
Steinbach has grown nearly an inch and added 19 pounds over the past two years. Strong measurements across the board. pic.twitter.com/6DlIiuRI7B
Hannes Steinbach only got measured at the NBA Combine and it's already turning heads
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Steinbach was a borderline NBA lottery pick, but most NBA mock drafts had him going in the late teens. Things are going to change after these stats become more well-known. He truly is having some pundits thinking he may be in the top-10 conversation. Without the height/wing span concerns, he has everything an NBA GM wants: youth, potential, an NBA-ready body, college tape, etc.
He was already being called "safe" and "naturally productive," but many were worried that he wasn't some sort of flashy player. However, his youth, athleticism, and now his measurables show that his potential for more in the NBA is clearly there.
The NBA combine is just getting started, and all that's happened so far is that the first group of players went through measurements, but the rest of the week will be spent on drills and scrimmages. Steinbach will only continue to turn heads as he showcases his elite ability amongst his peers.
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