Hornets Take Texas Tech Guard Christian Anderson at No. 18
The pick brings an elite three-point shooter to Charlotte whose immediate role hinges on LaMelo Ball’s availability and Coby White’s free-agent decision.
Overview
- Christian Anderson was selected 18th overall by the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, after a breakout sophomore season at Texas Tech.
- Anderson averaged 18.5 points and 7.4 assists while shooting 41.5% from three on 7.9 attempts per game, marking him as one of the draft’s top long-range shooters.
- Scouts praise his playmaking and repeatable shooting but flagged his size—about 6'1" barefoot and 180 pounds at the combine—as a likely defensive limitation.
- Anderson’s immediate minutes are expected to provide backcourt depth and spacing for Charlotte’s three-point–heavy offense but could change if LaMelo Ball misses time or if unrestricted free agent Coby White returns or departs.
- The pick creates an international thread for the Hornets because Anderson has played for Germany and could link up with 14th pick Hannes Steinbach for both NBA and national-team opportunities while the franchise continues to emphasize perimeter shooting.