Kon Knueppel’s NBA journey with the Charlotte Hornets is off to a dream start. The rookie forward shined throughout the 2K26 Summer League. He ultimately led the Hornets to a championship win over the Sacramento Kings. His all-around play earned him the Summer League MVP honor.
Despite winning the tournament’s best player, Knueppel remained grounded in his approach. He credited teammate K.J. Simpson for his development.
Knueppel’s rise has already sparked bold predictions. On The Zach Lowe Show, NBA analyst Bill Simmons offered high praise. Simmons even went as far as to guarantee Knueppel’s future with Team USA.
“I rarely do this. I guarantee this guy is going to be on the team [USA] in 2028. Kon Knueppel. I’m guaranteeing he’ll be one of the 12 guys in 2028,” Simmons said.
Simmons broke down exactly why he believes Knueppel is built for international basketball.
“He’s perfect for international basketball. [He] can play multiple positions. Can switch on defense. Knows where to go and what to do, very Derrick White-ish. Knows how to fit in with other guys and can shoot,” he added.
Kon Knueppel Proves To Be The Right Pick For Charlotte
Sports Illustrated recently shed light on how the Hornets ended up with rising star Kon Knueppel. According to the outlet, Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson wouldn’t have drafted Knueppel if Dalton Knecht were on the roster. The report noted how circumstances paved the way for Knueppel’s arrival in Charlotte.
“Peterson wouldn’t have drafted Knueppel if Knecht were on the roster. He wouldn’t have had the room to bring Knueppel in, although he may have decided to do so anyway.Either way, the Lakers being scared off of Williams ended up being a net positive for the Hornets. Williams eventually was traded to the Suns, and Charlotte brought Knueppel in,” the report read.
The Hornets drafted Knueppel as the No. 4 overall pick. After his Summer League brilliance, the franchise may feel they’ve landed an even better talent than Dalton Knecht could have offered.
The post Bill Simmons Guarantees Rising Star Kon Knueppel A Spot On Team USA’s 2028 Olympic Roster originally published on Total Pro Sports.