Kemba Walker celebrates Kon Knueppel’s impact as a rookie on the Charlotte Hornets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Charlotte Hornets have had a superb 2025-26 season because of a breakout from most of the team. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller were seen as the building blocks for the future before this season. That has changed with Kon Knueppel’s arrival, as the rookie has joined that duo as a pillar.

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Knueppel’s rookie season has been superb, as he has broken the record for most three-pointers made by any Hornets player ever. He usurped Kemba Walker, who is widely considered the greatest Hornet ever. At the same time, Walker also had a hand in helping Knueppel since he is a player enhancement coach for the Hornets.

Kemba Walker is glad for Kon Knueppel’s breakout

During his time with the Hornets, Walker was one of the best point guards in the league. He was the primary reason why the Hornets were competitive during the 2010s, but unfortunately, his efforts were not appreciated by most of the NBA community.

Hornets fans have a special connection to Walker because he was a true superstar for them. At the same time, he had a strong connection with the fans, which made him an icon for almost any Charlotte Hornets fan in the world. Now, he is back with the organization as a coach, and he could not be any happier.

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MORE: Charles Lee celebrates Kon Knueppel breaking the Hornets’ three-pointers record

As a player enhancement coach, Walker has had a hand in helping Knueppel develop. Seeing the Duke University product shine for the Hornets is something Hornets fans love. At the same time, Walker also appreciates Knueppel’s growth, even though the youngster broke his record.

“We get along very well. When Kon worked out for us pre-draft, we had to play against each other… He’s special. More than basketball, he’s just a great person, that’s all you could ask for. He came in and changed the culture around here, which is hard to do, especially as a rookie. He’s been amazing,” Walker said to Shannon Spake.

As the Hornets progress, Walker will have a hand in helping the future generation. That is a cathartic feeling for Walker and the rest of the Hornets franchise because they finally have a star trio. Knueppel already has elite potential, and it will get even better moving forward.

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