Kon Knueppel: The Rookie Lighting Up the NBA from Beyond the Arc
The Charlotte Hornets made a bold move in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Kon Knueppel with the fourth overall pick. Fast forward to now, and it’s clear they struck gold. Knueppel has taken the league by storm, leading the NBA in 3-pointers and proving himself as a formidable force on the court.
Knueppel's sharpshooting skills are on full display, with a remarkable 43.3% success rate from beyond the arc. His humility shines through as he credits his teammates and coaches for setting him up for success.
"Credit to my teammates and coaches for giving me a lot of good opportunities to get good shots," Knueppel shared. "Sticking with my mechanics and confidence in my shot is key, and right now, a lot of them are going in."
In 55 games, Knueppel has sunk 193 3-pointers, averaging 19.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His shooting prowess extends beyond the arc, boasting an impressive 48.5% from the field and 90.0% from the free-throw line.
The Hornets, who haven’t seen playoff action since 2016, are hopeful that Knueppel, alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges, can lead them back to postseason glory.
While his offensive contributions are undeniable, Knueppel's defensive skills have also caught the eye of Hornets head coach Charles Lee. "Defensively, you really see his basketball intelligence," Lee remarked. Knueppel's understanding of player tendencies and his strategic approach to closing out opponents make him a well-rounded player.
Currently, the Hornets stand at 26-31, holding the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference. Knueppel is not only making waves with his team but is also in a thrilling race for the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Award against Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg. The two were college roommates, adding an intriguing layer to their professional rivalry.
With Knueppel's impressive start, the Hornets have every reason to be optimistic about their future. If this rookie season is any indication, the best is yet to come for both Knueppel and the Charlotte Hornets.