Hannes Steinbach Is Getting Dennis Rodman Comparisons and Chicago Bulls Fans Just Found Their Missing Piece

Alright, Seattle, get ready for some major league hype for a Montlake legend. Our very own former Washington Huskies star, Hannes Steinbach, is tearing up the NBA mock drafts, and the buzz is real! ESPN's Jeremy Woo just dropped his latest projection, and it's got Steinbach landing with the Chicago Bulls as the No. 15 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. That's a huge look for the 6-foot-10 German forward, and it confirms what we already knew here in the Emerald City: this dude is special.

From Montlake to the Windy City: Steinbach's Path

During his single year rocking the purple and gold, Steinbach absolutely stuffed the stat sheet. He averaged a massive 18.5 points and a beastly 11.8 rebounds per game. That kind of production earned him All-Big Ten Third Team and All-Big Ten Freshman Team honors, proving he was ready for prime time right away. As the draft cycle winds down, Hannes has become a hot commodity, a popular name floating in the back half of the lottery, with his range consistently running into the teens. Woo noted that even with a quiet predraft workout process, Steinbach has drawn serious interest. His combine measurements solidified his fit, confirming he has the adequate size to play center, even if he isn't some vertically gifted shot blocker. The bottom line from the scouts? He's a "ready-now addition" for whatever team snags him.

Why the Bulls Need This Husky Badly

So, why the Bulls? Well, Chicago is undergoing a facelift in their first offseason under new leadership. They've got cap space, and they've signaled to other teams they are open to all kinds of moves, including with this No. 15 selection. Crucially, they recently traded center Nikola Vucevic, who was their leading rebounder last year, averaging nine boards per game. That leaves a massive hole on the glass, and Steinbach is the perfect guy to fill it. Chicago has clearly done its homework, bringing in almost every prospect projected in their draft range.

"He's Getting It": Coach Sprinkle's Rodman Comparison

Our very own UW head coach Danny Sprinkle didn't mince words about Steinbach's rebounding prowess. Before the 2025 season, Sprinkle dropped a quote that should get Bulls fans absolutely buzzing. "If he gets his hands on it, he's getting it," Sprinkle said, then added the kicker, "I don't want to say he's Dennis Rodman, but just how some guys always have a knack to be around the basketball, that's what he is." Rodman! That's a legendary comparison, especially for a Bulls legend, and it tells you everything you need to know about Steinbach's tenacity and nose for the ball. The first round of the NBA draft is set for Tuesday, June 23, at 5:00 p.m. PT. Keep your eyes peeled, Seattle, because one of our own is about to make a huge splash on the national stage. Can Hannes Steinbach be the rebounding force Chicago desperately needs? We're about to find out!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.