Boston Celtics grind out win as Hannes Steinbach struggles in Summer League
The Boston Celtics edged the Charlotte Hornets 87-75 in their NBA Summer League opener on Tuesday, but rookie forward Hannes Steinbach’s debut came with five turnovers and five fouls. The No. 14 overall pick in June’s draft logged 23 minutes, finishing with eight points, three rebounds, and two assists while posting a -11 plus/minus in the loss.
Last result: Boston Celtics 100-109 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 0W-0D-5L (LLLLL, most recent first); lost the last 5.
What went wrong for Hannes Steinbach?
Steinbach showed flashes—eight points, three rebounds, including two on the offensive glass—but his decision-making lagged. Five turnovers and five fouls exposed the rookie’s inexperience against NBA-level athleticism. Boston’s defense swarmed him in the paint, forcing rushed shots and careless passes.
Yet his teammates saw value beyond the stats. Guard Liam McNeeley pointed to Steinbach’s rebounding impact after the game: “That boy can rebound. He got so many offensive rebounds and got his hands on so many long rebounds and stuff...he just makes the game easier. He gets us extra possessions.” The Hornets’ coaching staff will work on Steinbach’s ball security in transition and half-court sets.
Why Boston’s Summer League record shouldn’t worry fans
Boston’s 0-5 Summer League mark looks ugly, but Summer League isn’t about wins and losses. It’s about reps for young players like Steinbach, guard Terrell Brown Jr., and others. The Celtics used this game to test lineups, rotations, and defensive schemes ahead of the regular season.
Boston’s defense stayed disciplined, limiting Charlotte to 75 points while forcing tough mid-range jumpers. The Celtics’ bench outscored the Hornets’ by 12, a sign their depth could matter when the real games start. Brown Jr. dished four assists and grabbed two rebounds in eight minutes, a promising start for the undrafted guard.
When does Boston play next?
The Celtics face the Milwaukee Bucks in Summer League on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. PT. Milwaukee, coming off their own opener, will test Boston’s defensive communication and transition discipline. For Steinbach, the focus is simple: cut the turnovers, stay out of foul trouble, and build on the rebounding wins.
Boston’s coaching staff will emphasize pick-and-roll coverages and help rotations. Steinbach’s athleticism gives him a pathway to minutes, but Summer League is where rookies learn the NBA’s speed. The Celtics’ front office will watch closely as the young forward adjusts to the grind.