Kon Knueppel is one special player. From the moment that he lifted the NBA Summer League championship, Charlotte Hornets’ fans started to sense that they had a special prospect on their hands.
Fast forward seven months, and Kneuppel is the Hornets’ third leading scorer. He also has the team competing for a playoff spot in the East and growing more dangerous with every game.
Some rookies take time to transition to the NBA’s hectic pace and next-level physicality. But Knueppel’s transition has been effortless. From his playstyle to the way he reads the game, the former Duke standout is enjoying life in the NBA.
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Knueppel’s stats of 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game reflect how well he is playing. These standout performances have placed him in a close race with his college teammate, Cooper Flagg, for Rookie of the Year. Knueppel’s season has been fantastic so far. In fact, it’s shaping up to be the best rookie season in Charlotte Hornets history.
Breaking Records Everywhere
Knueppel’s name has moved to the top of several NBA records this year thanks to his sharpshooting and efficiency.
Before 2025 had ended, Kneuppel became the fastest NBA player to reach 100 three-point field goals. In a game against the Warriors on New Year’s Eve, Kneuppel recorded his 13th game with 20+ points on 50/40/90 shooting. That broke a rookie record previously held by Stephen Curry.
Then, in an epic January win against Cooper Flagg in Dallas, Knueppel scored 34 points and made a franchise rookie record eight three-pointers. Furthermore, Knueppel set a franchise rookie record for 3-pointers made in a season, hitting his 180th on February 20th.
Knueppel leads the NBA in three-pointers made with 198. He is ahead of elite shooters such as Donovan Mitchell, Steph Curry, and Tyrese Maxey.
Knueppel’s success from three-point range has been phenomenal. He shoots a high volume from behind the line, but is incredibly accurate, shooting 43.5% on the year. To understand this better, look no further than Knueppel’s 64.9 true shooting percentage.
If he continues shooting at a reasonable clip, Knueppel will become the first rookie ever to average 18 points while posting a true shooting percentage above 62. So, as the year winds down, don’t be surprised if Knueppel adds a few more shooting records to his name.
Team and Individual Success
Besides the individual records, Knueppel has been an instrumental part of the Hornets’ red-hot run of form that has propelled them into the play-in spots.
He has won Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for November, December, and January. Likely, he will take home the award for February as well. That would make him the first Hornets rookie ever to win four Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards.
During the All-Star break in Los Angeles, Knueppel represented the Hornets in the Three-Point contest. He became only the fifth-ever rookie to participate in the Three-Point contest and ended up with a podium finish, securing third place behind Damian Lillard and Devin Booker.
Knueppel scored an incredible 27 points in the first round. Unfortunately, his final-round performance of 17 points was not enough to beat Lillard and Booker. However, he still showcased his skills on national television and earned the respect of the veterans.
Of course, the ultimate goal for Knueppel will be to help his team clinch a playoff spot. However, winning Rookie of the Year over his former college teammate Cooper Flagg would be the cherry on top. The last Hornet to win the award was LaMelo Ball. If Kon turns out to be anywhere as good as him, the future of the Hornets is in good hands.
Knueppel has been amazing to watch this season, and yet there is so much more that he could accomplish. With a third of the season remaining, Knueppel will be gunning to break even more records.
One thing is for sure: Hornets fans are happy to have him around.
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