Kon Knueppel is turning heads once again, and this time, it's not just about breaking records. The Charlotte Hornets rookie has already set the bar high by surpassing Keegan Murray's rookie record for most three-pointers in a season, hitting eight in a game against the Pacers to bring his total to 209-and there are still 22 games left in the season. But could Knueppel be on track for something even more monumental?
Brian Windhorst of ESPN floated an intriguing idea: could Knueppel join the exclusive club of players who have scored 70 points in a single game? While Windhorst was quick to clarify that this isn't something to expect this season, he suggested that Knueppel's ability to knock down threes could make him a future candidate.
Scoring 70 points in a game is no small feat. It's a rare achievement, accomplished by only 11 players in NBA history.
Wilt Chamberlain did it six times, but for most others, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime performance. Since Kobe Bryant's iconic 81-point game in 2006, we've seen a few more names added to the list, including Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid, and Luka Doncic.
Knueppel, however, isn't known as a volume scorer-yet. Playing alongside stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, his role doesn't currently demand high usage.
But his efficiency is what sets him apart. Doncic's 73-point game showed that with the right combination of shooting accuracy and trips to the free-throw line, a scoring explosion is possible without an excessive number of attempts.
Could Knueppel have one of those nights where everything falls into place? That's the big question. While it's not something he's aiming for right now, the idea has certainly captured the imagination of Hornets fans, especially with Windhorst's suggestion hanging in the air.
As the Rookie of the Year frontrunner, Knueppel has already proven he's a force to be reckoned with. Whether or not he aims for the 70-point club, his journey is one that fans will be eagerly watching.