Kon Knueppel delivered a standout performance for the Charlotte Hornets, helping them win the NBA Summer League.
Kon Knueppel was a surprise selection at #4 in the 2025 NBA Draft. The two-way wing from Duke wasn’t considered a top-4 pick in the NBA Draft.
However, the Charlotte Hornets decided to draft based on fit over talent and picked Knueppel, who provides them with strong defense and three-point shooting.
Former Hornets star Isaiah Thomas had high praise for Knueppel’s talent and mentality. Clearly, he represents the mindset that the Hornets are trying to cultivate in their internal culture.
Knueppel is looking forward to playing with Hornets stars like LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller next season. And given what he just did in Las Vegas, the feeling should be mutual.
The Charlotte Hornets, led by Knueppel, went on to win the NBA Summer League tournament. And fans believe this is a sign of things to come from the sharpshooting ace.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesNBA fans applaud Kon Knueppel for Summer League heroics
Kon Knueppel hit a big-time three against the Sacramento Kings to help the Charlotte Hornets win the NBA Summer League.
Many fans were amazed by his clutch shooting. One fan wrote, “Yeah, this kid is gonna be good. My rookie of the year pick.”
Another fan also acknowledged his clutch performance, saying, “When seconds count, Kon’s hand stays steady and the crowd goes wild.”
This was a popular sentiment among fans, as one person claimed, “That boy got ice in his veins!”
One Hornets fan believes Knueppel has earned a starting spot, noting, “I don’t know who is getting benched, but he’s gotta start for the Hornets!”
While another fan praised both the Hornets and Kings, saying, “What a game… Both these teams are going to be great in the future.”
Charlotte Hornets might have found final piece of their young core
Kon Knueppel had a brilliant Summer League campaign. In five games for the Hornets, he averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while shooting 34.3% from beyond the arc.
A versatile wing, Knueppel can play the shooting guard and small forward role. This will help Kon fit well with Brandon Miller, who has a similar skillset.
Knueppel is showing that he can be a valuable core piece for the Hornets. As the years go on, the Hornets must build around LaMelo Ball, Miller, and Knueppel.
If developed the right way, the Hornets could have a championship core in these three players. But the talent has never really been the problem in Charlotte.
The Hornets must make talent development their biggest priority. They have let years go by without a semi-competitive team, and that has to end this season.