
#11C · Charlotte Hornets
Height
7'1"
Weight
256 lbs
Age
24
College
Creighton
Draft
2025, Rd 2, #4
Experience
0 yrs
Wingspan
7'5.0"
Reach
9'4.5"
Hand Size
9.25" × 11"
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 58 | 7.9 | 5.7 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 74.7% | 0.0% | 68.9% |
| 2025-26 | ![]() | 59 | 7.9 | 5.7 | 0.8 |
| Date | OPP | Result | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3PT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4/17 | @ ORL | L 90-121 | 18 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0-3 | 0-0 | -6 |
| Tue, 4/14 | vs MIA | W 127-126 | 13 | 6 |
Length
4 years
Total Value
$10.0M
Guaranteed
$4.7M
AAV
$2.3M/yr
Ryan Kalkbrenner's contract with the Charlotte Hornets grades out as an A- CVI — the team is getting significantly more on-court production than what they're paying for. Ryan's current production grades out in the middle of the pack among NBA centers. His $2.3M average annual value ranks as minimum-level money for the center market. The value equation works strongly in the team's favor — they're getting upper-tier production at a price point that builds roster depth. At 24, Ryan has years of development ahead, which adds significant upside to this contract. The 4-year contract represents a moderate investment with room to exit if needed.
Ryan Kalkbrenner earns a C+ Performance grade — solid for a rookie, with room to grow into a larger role. Through 58 games, Ryan is contributing 7.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in his role. Ryan's strongest area is FG% at 74.7, which compares favorably to the center median of 46.0. The biggest area for growth is APG at 0.8 (center median: 4.0). Among 97 NBA centers graded this season, Ryan ranks 35th. At 24, Ryan is still developing. The production should improve as he gains experience and a larger role with the Charlotte Hornets.
No transactions found for this player.
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| 0.5 |
| 1.5 |
| 74.7% |
| 0.0% |
| 68.9% |
| 5 |
| 1 |
| 0 |
| 0 |
| 3-4 |
| 0-0 |
| +12 |
| Sun, 4/12 | @ NYK | W 110-96 | 21 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4-4 | 0-0 | +13 |
| Fri, 4/10 | vs DET | L 100-118 | 23 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1-1 | 0-0 | -12 |
| Wed, 4/8 | @ BOS | L 102-113 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2-2 | 0-0 | +7 |
| Fri, 4/3 | vs IND | W 129-108 | 25 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3-7 | 0-0 | -1 |
| Thu, 4/2 | vs PHX | W 127-107 | 23 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3-3 | 0-0 | +10 |
Ryan Kalkbrenner enters the 2025-26 season with a C+ sentiment grade, reflecting the measured optimism surrounding Charlotte's developmental big man prospect. The media narrative has been decidedly constructive, with head coach Charles Lee's public endorsement of Kalkbrenner as a "wonderful addition" signaling genuine organizational confidence in the rookie center. Coverage consistently highlighted his defensive presence and shot-blocking instincts during an injury-interrupted debut campaign, with analysts praising his ability to adapt and mature through early-season adversity. His elite field-goal percentage and above-average PER metrics for a rookie big man have fueled legitimate discussions about carving out a rotation role within Charlotte's rebuild timeline. While Kalkbrenner remains firmly in developmental prospect territory without the contract weight or established credentials of a proven starter, the prevailing sentiment positions him as a player to monitor rather than one fighting for roster survival. The buzz surrounding his growth trajectory suggests the Hornets may have found a legitimate building block, even if expectations remain appropriately tempered for a second-year player still proving his NBA viability.