The Hornets officially sign 7-foot center Ryan Kalkbrenner to a four-year deal, and here’s why fans should be excited about the defensive anchor out of Creighton.
Ryan Kalkbrenner Inks Rookie Deal With Charlotte Hornets originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Just days before Summer League tips off, the Charlotte Hornets quietly made a move that could have major implications for the franchise’s future. The team has officially signed second-round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner to a four-year, $9.97 million rookie contract, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. But don’t let the “second-round” label fool you, as this 7-foot center brings elite shot-blocking and efficiency that Hornets fans should pay attention to.
Kalkbrenner, drafted No. 34 overall, becomes the latest piece in the Hornets’ youth-focused rebuild. The first two years of his deal are fully guaranteed ($4.7 million), with a non-guaranteed third year and a team option in year four, making it a low-risk, high-upside signing.
A Defensive Game-Changer
Kalkbrenner didn’t just leave Creighton as a standout, he left as a legend. A four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he averaged 2.7 blocks per game in his final college season and finished fourth in the nation in total blocks (93). His ability to alter shots at the rim makes him an instant interior presence for a Hornets squad that ranked 27th in opponent field goal percentage in the paint last season.
Efficiency That Translates
Offensively, Kalkbrenner is no slouch either. He shot a blistering 65.3% from the field in 2024-25, ranking second nationally in made field goals (271). Averaging 19.2 points and 8.7 rebounds, he offers a rare combination of size, touch, and floor-running that could complement Charlotte’s young guards.
Building the Future, One Pick at a Time
Kalkbrenner joins a loaded Hornets draft class that includes Duke’s Kon Knueppel, UConn’s Liam McNeeley, and Duke’s Sion James. The quartet is expected to take the floor together Friday against the Bulls in their NBA Summer League debut (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).
For Hornets fans still seeking a cornerstone center after years of roster instability, Ryan Kalkbrenner might just be the long-term anchor they’ve been waiting for.
Don’t miss it, as Summer League is just the beginning.
Related: Tidjane Salaun’s Grit Is Starting to Pay Off in Charlotte
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
