Mavericks' rumored draft target offers much more than a Dirk Nowitzki link

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly exploring multiple trade-up and trade-down scenarios ahead of the NBA Draft, with both of their first-round picks believed to be in play. With that being said, one prospect who has emerged as a rumored target (whether Dallas moves down from No. 9 or up from No. 30) is Hannes Steinbach, a German-born big man with an unexpected connection to franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki.

"One potential target if Dallas were to trade down: Washington big man Hannes Steinbach," Jake Fischer reported. "Sources say that Steinbach, whose father Burkhard played alongside Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki on the German League team in their shared hometown of Wurzburg some 30 years ago, is among the prospects to have worked out for the Mavericks under consideration for the No. 9 pick."

Hannes Steinbach’s unexpected connection to Dirk Nowitzki

Steinbach's father played alongside Nowitzki in Wurzburg nearly 30 years ago, but that connection is only part of the reason Dallas should be interested in the former Washington Husky. The 20-year-old German has developed into one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in the draft class and could offer the Mavericks a dimension their current roster lacks.

Steinbach followed a path similar to that of his father and Nowitzki, suiting up for Wurzburg in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga before spending a season at Washington. He then emerged as one of the nation's most productive freshmen stateside, averaging 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.

Those numbers helped Steinbach earn All-Big Ten Third Team honors, cementing himself as one of the draft's most intriguing frontcourt prospects.

Nonetheless, Steinbach has flown somewhat under the radar heading into this week's draft. Despite being considered a consensus first-round prospect, he's seldom appeared in Mavericks mock drafts because most evaluators expect him to come off the board between the late lottery and early 20s.

Yet, as NBA insider Jake Fischer reported, that won't deter the Mavericks from targeting Steinbach. While the Mavericks already have two starting-caliber centers in Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford (for now), Steinbach offers an entirely different skill set than either of the team's current bigs.

Why Steinbach’s skill set fits the Mavericks’ frontcourt needs

The former Husky is an exceptional rebounder and interior scorer who can also space the floor. While Lively II and Gafford provide value as rim protectors and lob threats, neither possesses Steinbach's combination of rebounding, scoring versatility, and offensive polish.

Steinbach led all Division I players in rebounds per game, and rebounding prowess wasn't just limited to the defensive glass. He averaged 4.2 offensive rebounds per contest, showcasing his relentless motor and knack for creating second-chance opportunities. For comparison, Gafford led the Mavericks with 2.5 offensive rebounds per game last season.

Moreover, Steinbach is a physically imposing offensive player around the basket. At 6-foot-11 and nearly 250 pounds, he already possesses an NBA-ready frame that allows him to back down defenders and carve out space near the rim. While bully-ball doesn't always translate to the NBA (where defenders are bigger), Steinbach's size and strength are rare for a 20-year-old prospect. In fact, he would be Dallas' second-heaviest player if he were to be drafted.

Steinbach is more than just a brute-force finisher at the rim. The 20-year-old is a polished interior scorer who finished his freshman campaign shooting 57.7 percent from the floor, which includes an impressive 72.3 percent on attempts in the painted area.

At 6-foot-11 and nearly 250 pounds, he uses his frame effectively to create space and finish through contact. While he doesn't possess the most advanced post moves, his touch around the basket is extremely well developed.

Lastly, while Steinbach isn’t a true stretch big, he did knock down 18 three-pointers at a 34.0 percent clip. By comparison, Gafford has only attempted one three-pointer in his NBA career, while Lively II has connected on just one in the postseason. That level of perimeter ability, even in a limited role, adds a different dimension to Dallas’ offensive versatility.

As a near 7-footer from Wurzburg, Germany, Steinbach already carries natural intrigue for the Mavericks, given his connection to franchise great Nowitzki. But he is more than just a historical link. He profiles as a highly productive interior scorer with enough versatility to complement Dallas’ current frontcourt, offering a different offensive dimension alongside Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

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