Kon Knueppel’s media availability at NBA draft combine.
Kon Knueppel II had his media availability at the NBA combine in Chicago.
Wisconsin Lutheran High School alumnus Kon Knueppel, off to a tremendous start with the Charlotte Hornets in his rookie NBA season, got another boost to his profile when he appeared Dec. 2 on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Knueppel discussed his team’s recent return to hometown Milwaukee, including bringing his Hornets teammates to his parents’ house for a meal.
“That’s a trip, turning onto your street, seeing all the neighbors and stuff, and you’re coming down in this big old coach bus,” Knueppel said.
Knueppel then played a role on the show’s “One Shot Jackpot,” drawing a seat number corresponding to someone in the audience, who then had to make a money-winning shot. Alas, the audience member wasn’t as adept as Knueppel in marksmanship.
Knueppel’s profile has been on a steady rise since he began his first NBA season. He was just named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month — his former Duke University teammate and roommate, Cooper Flagg was given the same honor in the Western Conference. Fallon referred to it as a “very talented dorm room.”
Could Knueppel actually win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award over Flagg, the clear-cut No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft? It’s at least possible.
Knueppel averages 18.3 points, 5,7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, shooting 47% from the field and 42% from three-point range. Flagg averages 17.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 47% from the field but 26% from three-point range.
Knueppel’s Hornets are just 6-15 heading into Dec. 3, with Flagg’s Mavericks at 7-15.
Knueppel was the subject of a feature by The Athletic’s John Hollinger, posting Dec. 3, highlighting his basketball smarts and ability beyond simply as a shooter.
“Charlotte’s small market and Knueppel’s unassuming nature have perhaps left him under the radar when it comes to this stellar rookie class. (Admittedly, his Tuesday appearance on “The Tonight Show” may change that a bit.),” Hollinger wrote.
“Let’s put it this way: Fifteen years from now, it feels like people will have a much easier time remembering who went fourth in the 2025 draft.”