A workout with a purpose
Former Washington Huskies star forward Hannes Steinbach arrived at the Miami Heat’s training facility this week, where he was put through a series of drills in front of the franchise’s coaching staff and front office. The session was part of the team’s pre‑draft evaluation process, giving the Heat a chance to assess the 6‑foot‑9 forward’s readiness for the NBA game.
Steinbach’s lone season in Seattle was nothing short of dominant. He posted averages of 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 34 percent from three‑point range. Those numbers align closely with the skill set that Heat coach Erik Spoelstra values, particularly in a system that prizes versatile big men who can protect the rim and finish above the break.
Rebounding renaissance
Miami finished the 2025‑26 season fourth in the league in total rebounds, averaging 46.3 boards per game. Adding a player who consistently ranks among the nation’s top rebounders could push the Heat into the top tier of glass‑clearing teams for years to come. The front office sees Steinbach as a potential anchor for a defense that has been searching for a reliable second‑year interior presence.
The workout also arrives amid speculation about a possible trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Bucks decide to move the two‑time MVP, the Heat’s draft strategy could shift, but Steinbach remains a top target regardless, according to sources familiar with the club’s planning.
Other names on the Heat’s radar include Bam Adebayo, Kel'el Ware and Greg Sylvander, each of whom brings a different dimension to the frontcourt. Yet it is Steinbach’s blend of size, shooting efficiency and defensive instincts that has the franchise’s decision‑makers most excited about the prospect of pairing him with Adebayo in a twin‑tower look.