Kon Knueppel registered another double-digit scoring performance on Tuesday, continuing a hot start to his rookie campaign with the Charlotte Hornets.
Knueppel produced 19 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal in a 144-117 loss to the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center. He went 7-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-11 from 3-point range, in 27 minutes in his third start as the Hornets dropped to 2-2.
The No. 4 pick has knocked down 16 3-pointers to begin the season, the most by any player through the first four games of a career in history, topping Keegan Murray in the 2022-23 season (13). Murray currently holds the rookie record for 3s in a season (206).
Knueppel is averaging 16 points, 4.3 rebounds and two assists on 53.3% shooting from 3-point range. He is fifth among all players in the league in total 3s and is one of five first-year players to score at least 20 points in a game this season.
Hornets coach Charles Lee told Knueppel before the start of the season that he would be a starter for some games and play in the second unit in others. He has played a key role in helping the Hornets begin the season on a better foot than in past years.
Knueppel appears poised to play a significant role for the Hornets this season, based on his versatility and overall skill set. He has been effective in either role and has demonstrated a firm understanding of how the team wants to play.