June 13, 2026, 8:35 p.m. ET
Kon Knueppel had a breakout rookie season for the Charlotte Hornets after being selected fourth overall.He averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while playing in 81 games.Knueppel set a new NBA rookie record for the most 3-pointers made in a season.He narrowly missed winning the Rookie of the Year award to former college teammate Cooper Flagg.
Despite falling out of the top three in last year’s 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, the Charlotte Hornets were still able to scoop up a tremendous talent with the No. 4 overall selection, former Duke guard Kon Knueppel. Although some expected Knueppel to contribute right away, no one anticipated his breakout season, narrowly falling short of NBA Rookie of the Year Award honors to his former college roommate, Cooper Flagg.
Throughout the year, Knueppel played 81 games, making 80 starts and averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 0.7 steals. He neared 50/40/90 efficiency, shooting 47.5% from the field, 42.5% from 3-point range and 86.3% from the free-throw line. The Milwaukee native led the league in 3-pointers, breaking the rookie record for made 3-pointers as well. Knueppel also became the third rookie in NBA history to average 15 or more points and five or more rebounds while shooting above 40% from beyond the arc. All in all, compared to expectations, Knueppel couldn’t have been much better.
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