Kalkbrenner posted 10 points (5-5 FT), six rebounds, three steals and one block in 31 minutes during Tuesday's 144-117 loss to the Heat.

EDGE Analysis

Kalkbrenner went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field on the way to his third double-digit scoring performance of his young NBA career. It was a promising sign to see the rookie bounce back after he was held to four points Sunday against Washington. Kalkbrenner was also productive on the defensive end by racking up a season-high three steals, clearly playing at a level above Moussa Diabate, who has been hot on his heels for the starting center spot.

Kalkbrenner posted four points (2-3 FG), five rebounds and an assist across 22 minutes in Sunday's 139-113 win over the Wizards.

EDGE Analysis

Kalkbrenner was outperformed by fellow big man Moussa Diabate, who is also competing for minutes and the starting role. While the rookie has certainly been efficient shooting the ball (14-for-16 from the field over his first three games), not getting to the free-throw line and shooting three-pointers are certainly hurting his value. It is possible Kalkbrenner may have been a victim of game script, as the Hornets built a massive lead that resulted in benches being cleared, but if he wants to retain his starting role and minutes, he has to perform better.

Kalkbrenner finished Saturday's 125-121 loss to the 76ers with 14 points (7-7 FG), seven rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal across 26 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Over two games thus far, Kalkbrenner has missed only one field-goal attempt (12-13 FG) in his 53 combined minutes. The rookie out of Creighton has been the starter in each of those contests, and he'll look to keep up his solid start to the 2025-26 season against the Wizards on Sunday night in D.C.

Kalkbrenner supplied 10 points (5-6 FG), 11 rebounds, two blocks and one assist in 27 minutes during Wednesday's 136-117 win over Brooklyn.

EDGE Analysis

Kalkbrenner earned the start in his regular-season debut Wednesday and made the most of it, recording his first career double-double in a solid showing. The 2025 second-round pick was a dominant defensive and interior presence during his time at Creighton, so his early impact at the NBA level isn't overly surprising despite his draft position. Notably, Kalkbrenner logged six more minutes than fellow center Moussa Diabate, while Mason Plumlee didn't see any court time.

Kalkbrenner is not in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Knicks.

EDGE Analysis

Kalkbrenner will make way for Moussa Diabate at center in this preseason finale. The rookie out of Creighton has turned heads in preseason with his play, so he may have a solid grip on a rotation spot once the regular season begins against the Nets on Wednesday.

Kalkbrenner finished with 14 points (7-7 FG), 10 rebounds, one assist and one block across 25 minutes during Saturday's 120-116 preseason win over the Mavericks.

EDGE Analysis

Kalkbrenner was incredibly efficient as a starter, as he was flawless from the field, hitting all seven of his field-goal attempts. The rookie center continues to make an impression during the preseason, which could result in more time on the floor for the Creighton product once the regular season gets underway.

Kalkbrenner is in the starting lineup for Saturday's preseason game against the Mavericks, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kalkbrenner has shown some promising signs in the preseason, and the coaching staff has rewarded the rookie with a start here. This means Moussa Diabate will head to the bench.

Kalkbrenner finished with 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds, two steals and one block across 25 minutes of Sunday's 135-114 preseason loss to the Thunder.

EDGE Analysis

Mason Plumlee was out for personal reasons, while Moussa Diabate started at center and played 13 minutes. The Hornets gave all their starters a light workload, while Kalkbrenner led the team in minutes despite coming off the bench. Kalkbrenner has been generating a lot of buzz at training camp, and even if he doesn't start on Opening Night, it seems inevitable that he will win this position battle at some point soon.

Kalkbrenner recorded 15 points (5-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT), nine rebounds, one steal and a block during Sunday's 83-78 Summer League championship win.

EDGE Analysis

Kalkbrenner put together a strong performance in the Summer League championship game Sunday, tying for a team-high in rebounds and being one of five Hornets players to score in double figures. Kalkbrenner was also valuable on the defensive end, not only recording a steal and a block, but also providing flexibility in matchups and guarding the Kings' point guard at times. His defensive ability could provide him a path to playing time during the upcoming season.