Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee has been pleased with the early showing of rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner through the first week of training camp in Charleston, South Carolina.
Kalkbrenner was a third-team All-American selection by the AP last season at Creighton, averaging 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.5 assists on 65.3% shooting from the field. He ranked second in the country in field goals (271) and fourth in blocks (93).
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The 34th pick is showcasing his overall skill set in practice, along with some other intangibles on the court. Lee explained on Friday why Kalkbrenner has been one of the top performers thus far.
His basketball IQ stands out to me. His competitiveness stands out to me, and I just think his willingness to keep it simple stands out to me. I think that he is in the right position a lot of times because he is willing to do whatever it takes to help his teammates defensively and offensively. He has been phenomenal, as have all of the rookies, but he has definitely stood out.
Kalkbrenner is a part of a crowded draft class for the Hornets, joining Kon Knueppel (fourth pick), Liam McNeeley (29th pick) and Sion James (33rd pick). Lee has enjoyed coaching the group in the early going and is eager to see him evolve throughout the year.
The 7-footer is expected to compete for minutes at the center position, along with Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee. With five preseason games on the schedule, including the first on Sunday, Lee and the team will have a large sample size of work to determine the rotation.
I think to compete, we have a lot of preseason games to be able to perform, and I can evaluate them at that time. I look forward to one day I will have to make some tough decisions on who that starter is and what that rotation looks like. But for now, I think they’re all having opportunities to show me, the staff and their teammates who fits well.
Kalkbrenner left college as one of the most accomplished players in program history after five years with the Bluejays. He is second in several career statistical categories, including points, rebounds and blocks, and was a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
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The 23-year-old said Lee and the coaching staff have given the big men the freedom to help control the paint in practice. He believes that has helped him showcase his rim protection early on and will be vital for him throughout the season.
“I think it has been going pretty good,” Kalkbrenner said. “Honestly, as we’ve gotten into it, I think it is not really as big of a difference as I thought it would be. Coach Lee, I love how he wants to use the 5-man to roam around the basket and block shots. Obviously, that is what I do, so whenever you can play to your strengths, that is awesome. I’ve been really enjoying that transition process, and I think it is going well.”
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets news: Charles Lee offers early thoughts of Ryan Kalkbrenner