Kon Knueppel Is Breaking the Mold-and the Rim-for the Hornets
When the Charlotte Hornets called Kon Knueppel’s name on draft night, the reaction was mixed. Some saw him as a one-dimensional shooter-valuable, sure, but limited.
Fast forward to now, and those early evaluations are aging fast. What we’re seeing isn’t just a shooter.
We’re seeing a rookie who’s already flashing a complete offensive game, one that’s still developing but already more layered than many expected.
More Than a Shooter
Let’s start with the obvious: yes, Knueppel can flat-out shoot. He’s been drilling threes at a historic clip, and when a Hall of Famer like Reggie Miller starts floating your name in the same breath as Stephen Curry’s all-time three-point record, people take notice. The stroke is smooth, the release is quick, and the confidence is undeniable.
But what’s really turning heads is what Knueppel’s doing beyond the arc. He’s not just spacing the floor-he’s slicing through it.
Knueppel has shown a knack for attacking closeouts and getting into the paint, using a combination of high-level basketball IQ and fundamental footwork to get to his spots. He’s converting over 54% of his two-point attempts when defenders are within two to four feet-an impressive mark that speaks to his ability to read defenses and finish under pressure.
A Smart, Versatile Offensive Weapon
What’s been most encouraging for Charlotte is how well Knueppel fits into the flow of the offense. He’s not just a scorer-he’s a connector. His passing has been sharp, particularly in motion, and he’s shown real chemistry in pick-and-roll situations.
In fact, Knueppel has quietly become the most efficient non-big roll man in the league this season. That’s not a typo.
He’s been deadly in pick-and-pop sets, especially when paired with LaMelo Ball. The two have formed a dynamic partnership, with Knueppel’s shooting gravity opening up lanes for Ball, and vice versa.
And here’s the kicker: Knueppel hasn’t even fully unleashed his pick-and-roll ball-handling game yet. That was a weapon in his arsenal back at Duke, and if he starts leaning into that more at the NBA level, we could be looking at a major offensive leap.
Outplaying the Projections
Coming into the season, most of the Rookie of the Year buzz surrounded Cooper Flagg. And while Flagg has had his moments, it’s Knueppel who’s leading the race right now-and doing it with poise and polish.
He’s been consistent, efficient, and impactful, all while showing he can scale his game depending on who’s around him. When LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller have missed time, Knueppel hasn’t just held the line-he’s elevated his game. That ability to step up when the team needs him most is what separates good rookies from foundational pieces.
And that’s the conversation we’re starting to have with Knueppel.
The Road Ahead
Of course, the next challenge is the one that greets every rising star: attention. With Ball and Miller dealing with injuries, defenses are going to start keying in on Knueppel more. He’ll see tougher matchups, more traps, and fewer clean looks.
But here’s the thing-he’s already shown he can adapt. He’s already shown he’s more than a shooter. And if he continues to evolve under the added pressure, the Hornets might just have found their franchise cornerstone.
For a team that’s been searching for stability and star power, Knueppel is offering both. And he’s just getting started.