Hornets rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner has started his NBA career with remarkable efficiency, making history with his incredible shooting accuracy. In his first 10 games, he has made 42 of his 52 shots, translating to an astonishing 80.8% field goal percentage.
This impressive start isn’t just good; it’s the best in NBA history for any player who has taken at least 50 shots in their first 10 games. His performance shows a combination of smart shot selection, great finishing ability near the basket, and excellent teamwork.
🎯 A Historic Start to His Career
Kalkbrenner’s 80.8% shooting percentage sets a new record for a career start. To put this into perspective, the previous best was held by Houston’s Yao Ming, who shot 72% (36-for-50) in his first 10 games. This achievement highlights just how effective Kalkbrenner has been, converting nearly every opportunity he gets into points for his team.
🙌 Humble and Team-Focused
Despite his personal success, Kalkbrenner gives all the credit to his teammates. “It’s just a credit to my teammates who let me get easy looks,” he said, explaining that his role is not to take difficult shots. Hornets coach Charles Lee also praised his rookie’s attitude and approach. “He’s got a great way about him,” Lee said. “His process is on point.” It’s clear that his focus on teamwork is helping him find high-percentage shots, often right at the rim.
🎓 Consistent Excellence from College
This amazing accuracy is not a complete surprise for those who followed Kalkbrenner in college. At Creighton University, he was known for his efficiency, leading his conference in field-goal percentage for four consecutive years. He finished his college career shooting 65.8%, a figure higher than many basketball legends. This history of high-level performance shows that his skills translate well to the professional stage.
📈 A Bright Future with the Hornets
Selected as a second-round pick, Kalkbrenner is already proving to be a valuable addition to the Hornets. Beyond his scoring, Coach Lee has been impressed with his defensive contributions, especially in protecting the area around the basket. As he continues to learn and develop, his ability to finish plays efficiently makes him an exciting player to watch and a potential steal for the team.
