In the race for NBA Rookie of the Year, former Atlanta Hawks star Jeff Teague has thrown his support behind Charlotte Hornets' standout, Kon Knueppel. While Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, the top pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, is making headlines with impressive stats, it's Knueppel's sharpshooting and impact on the Hornets' success that's turning heads.
Charlotte currently sits at 28-31, a record that speaks volumes compared to Dallas' 21-36. Knueppel, a product of Duke, leads the NBA in three-point shooting, boasting averages of 19.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His shooting splits are remarkable: 48.9% from the field, 43.6% from beyond the arc, and 89.3% from the free-throw line.
With the Hornets holding the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference, they're eyeing a spot in the NBA play-in tournament, reserved for seeds 7-10. This resurgence has delighted Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues, who has become a fan of Knueppel's unique style.
Bogues, reflecting on Knueppel's skills, noted, "He's one of those steady guys. It's hard to box him in with past players.
His shooting reminds me of Mark Price, though he's bigger and can drive the lane effectively. Kon's carving out his own path."
Standing at about 6-foot-5 or 6-foot-6, Knueppel isn't just a catch-and-shoot specialist. He's a versatile scorer, capable of hitting from mid-range, driving to the basket, and sinking threes.
As Bogues puts it, "He's creating his own lane. I love the future."
The Hornets haven't seen a Rookie of the Year since LaMelo Ball in 2021, but with Knueppel's standout season, that could soon change. His performance isn't just about numbers; it's about leading Charlotte to wins and redefining what a rookie can achieve.