Why Ryan Kalkbrenner Could Be the Hornets New Secret Weapon…

Why Ryan Kalkbrenner Could Be the Hornets New Secret Weapon…

Nobody is talking about this guy, but they will be. While everybody’s focused on bigname rookies and flashy highlights, the Charlotte Hornets might have just found the biggest steel of the draft. A 7-footer with elite rim protection, a consistent three-point shot, and instant plug-and-play potential. Ryan Kulk Brener could be the Hornet’s secret weapon in his rookie season. And don’t be surprised when he starts to dominate at the NBA level. What’s going on, Hornets fans? My name is Hornets Culture and in this video we are going to discuss why former four-time Big East defensive player of the year might turn more heads in Charlotte than anyone expects. At 23 years old, Ryan Kulkbrer enters the NBA coming off a dominant 2024 2025 season at Kraton where he averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.5 assists per game. These numbers highlight not just his scoring and defensive abilities, but also his versatility as a modern NBA big man. Standing at 7 feet with a massive 76 wingspan, he led all of division 1 basketball last season with 86 dunks. A testament to his excellent hands, body control, and the ability to finish around the rim. He plays with a high motor, consistently hustling on both ends of the floor. One of the most compelling reasons why Kulkr runner could thrive in Charlotte is the team’s current lack of depth at the center position. The Hornets rotation features veteran Mason Plumbley who brings experience and leadership. And Musa Diabate, another young player with potential but less polished. Kulkbrer with 5 years of college experience in a mature plug-and-play game, has a strong chance to carve out immediate minutes and possibly even claim the starting spot towards the end of the season. His performance in the summer league only reinforces that belief as he was a key contributor to the Hornets undefeated run to the summer league championship. Defensively, Kolk Brener is already NBA ready. A four-time Big East defensive player of the year, he is a perimeter shot blocker who can anchor the Hornets defense from day one. His timing and positioning allows him to dominate as a rim protector, and his rebounding instincts ensure he ends every possession efficiently. While his lateral quickness limits his ability to switch onto guards, his draw coverage skills and presence in the paint will be a massive asset for the Hornets team that has struggled defensively in recent years. Offensively, Kulk Brener fits perfectly next to all-star point guard LaMelo Ball. Ball’s elite court vision and passing ability thrives with the lob threat, and Kulk Brener’s knack for catching lobs, finishing putbacks, and making himself available in the paint make him an ideal partner. If they could build chemistry, this duo could become a deadly pick and roll combination. Additionally, Kulkrin’s improving three-point shot adds another layer to his offensive game. While not a high volume shooter, his high arcing stroke shows promise and his ability to stretch the floor will give ball more space to operate. Kulkbrer’s high basketball IQ makes him a valuable addition to this Young Hornet squad. He sees the floor well, makes smart decisions in the short role, and he can pass out of the post effectively. These are translatable skills that often take years for NBA bigs to develop, but Caulker already possesses them thanks to his college experience. Um, I think it’s been going pretty good, honestly, as we’ve gotten into it. I think it’s not really as big of a difference as I thought it would be. Coachely, I love how he wants to use the fiveman, just roam around the basket, block shots. That’s obviously what I do well. So, whenever you can play to your strength, that’s awesome. Of course, he still has areas to improve, especially in defending quicker players on the perimeter and becoming more self-sufficient offensively. But his foundation is strong and his role on the team is clearly defined. With the right development and trust from the coaching staff, K Brener could surprise many and play a key role in Charlotte’s rotation. Don’t be shocked, Hornets fans, when you look at the box score later in the season and see that Kulk Brener had a double double performance. So don’t sleep on Ryan Kulk Brener. He might not have the flashiest name in the rookie class, but his rim protection, floor spacing, and chemistry potential with LaMelo Ball could make him a piece that takes Charlotte by surprise. When he gets some minutes, don’t be shocked if he ends up being one of the biggest rookie impact players this season. If you enjoyed the breakdown, make sure to hit that like button and drop your thoughts in the comments. Till next time, peace.

While the spotlight shines on the big-name rookies, the Charlotte Hornets might’ve just landed one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft. In this video, we break down why 2nd round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7’0″ center with elite rim protection, a growing three-point shot, and off-the-charts basketball IQ, could shock the league in his rookie season

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