Kon Knueppel: The Rookie Phenom Lighting Up Charlotte
Kon Knueppel's rapid ascent up the draft boards ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft was a spectacle in itself. Initially pegged as a lottery pick, he surged into top-five discussions and ultimately landed with the Charlotte Hornets at No. 4 overall. Now, he's not only living up to the hype but is making a compelling case for Rookie of the Year.
Knueppel has been nothing short of transformative for the Hornets, injecting both flair and cohesion into a previously disjointed lineup. With Charlotte boasting the second-best net rating in the NBA since the start of the year, Knueppel's impact is undeniable.
His stats tell part of the story-second on the team in points and assists, and third in rebounds and three-point shooting. But it's his historic shooting performance that's truly setting him apart. Knueppel is on track to deliver the best rookie shooting season in NBA history.
Shooting His Way Into the Record Books
Knueppel is poised to join an exclusive club of rookies attempting over 7.0 three-pointers per game. This list includes luminaries like Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Donovan Mitchell. Yet, while they hit their threes at 34.0, 32.9, and 32.7 percent respectively, Knueppel is draining an eye-popping 43.1 percent.
Despite a lighter shooting load than his peers-13.4 field goal attempts per game compared to their 16.5-Knueppel's precision from beyond the arc is rewriting the rookie record books. He's on pace to post the highest three-point percentage for any rookie attempting at least 5.0 threes per game.
A Star in the Making
While one stat doesn't seal the Rookie of the Year deal, Knueppel's overall performance paints a convincing picture. Averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 three-pointers per game, he's shooting a remarkable .484/.431/.902. Just shy of the coveted 50-40-90 club, his efficiency is staggering for a first-year player.
Knueppel is one of only five players averaging at least 18 points and shooting 40 percent from three this season, alongside names like Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant. For a rookie to be in such elite company speaks volumes.
In his debut season, Knueppel's blend of volume and accuracy makes him a standout candidate for Rookie of the Year, and a rising star in the NBA.