Ryan Kalkbrenner, “Mr. 90%” of the Hornets

« He refuses to miss!! 7/7 on shots », exclaims the local commentator. Ryan Kalkbrenner just scored another basket from under the circle, in the midst of Magic Defense. The Hornets rookie continued to finish after this match and finished with 17 points on 8/9 shooting, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.

« I played five games in the NBA, I’m still learning. I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing », let’s go after the headquarters meetingwho is asked how he prepares for his night after night battles in the racket.

« Watch the video and be as prepared as possible, knowing that eventually I will probably go in and learn on the job. And not to beat myself up too much when I make a mistake, because I’m learning and adapting. After all, I’m a newbie and I’m learning “, insists this player from Creighton, drafted in the 4th position in the second round of the 2025 draft.

We have to believe he is a quick learner as he replaces veteran Mason Plumlee to line up in the starting 5 position as well as Frenchman Moussa Diabate. ” He contributes on both ends of the court. He gives us help and the ability to protect the racket in defense. And offensively, he has a very good feel for screen angles, how to position himself in the dunk zone. His offensive rebounding and passing sense as well, so there are a lot of different elements », the recently released Charles Lee.

He scores exclusively under the circle

The team’s coach also emphasized that Ryan Kalkbrenner’s preparation during training camp made the decision to start him ” easy to take “. During this camp, Miles Bridges particularly emphasized the maturity of his young interior, as well as his ease in confronting the opponent.” So he will succeed in this league », the winger concluded.

« What strikes me about him is his basketball IQ, his competitiveness and his willingness to keep things simple. He is often in the right spots because he is willing to do whatever it takes to help his teammates, both defensively and offensively. “, judged Charles Lee.

Even if his pivot is still in the breakout phase with some of his teammates, including the one who most often has leather in his hand, LaMelo Ball. ” It’s nice to play with a guy like him. He’s super talented, super unselfish, and you always have to be careful because he’ll find you, surprise you with a behind-the-back pass. In preseason I wasn’t ready for that, I’ve never played with a guy like him. This relationship will only get better as the season progresses “, he said.

Meanwhile, shooting exclusively from below the circle, the pivot is shooting a near-perfect 90% (27/30) after five games – making him No. 1 in the league ahead of Walker Kessler (75%) – averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.