“The Ringer” founder Bill Simmons made a bold prediction that left his podcast host Zach Lowe in awe. Simmons was Lowe’s guest on a recent episode of his podcast, and the two buddies talked about which players USA Basketball would likely pick for the U.S. men’s basketball team for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
After agreeing on many names, Lowe was nearly left speechless when Simmons bravely proclaimed that Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel will be a sure member of the 2028 Team USA.
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“I’m guaranteeing he will be one of the 12 guys in 2028,” explained Simmons. “He is perfect for international basketball. Can play multiple positions, can switch on defense, knows where to go and what to do, like very Derrick Whiteish. Just knows how to fit in with other guys and can shoot.”
Kon was named the 2025 Summer League MVP
Knueppel was the Hornets’ 4th overall pick in last June’s NBA Draft out of Duke. The 20-year-old won the 2025 ACC Tournament MVP honors and was named to the All-ACC second team.
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Like Cooper Flagg, Knueppel was a one-and-done freshman at Durham. In 39 games played, all starts, he averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game with impressive shooting splits.
During the Las Vegas Summer League, Kon averaged 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in the Hornets’ last four games. He led Charlotte with 21 points and 5 rebounds as they beat the Sacramento Kings to win the 2025 Summer League title. Knueppel also won tournament MVP honors.
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At 6’5″, Knueppel is an all-around player who can contribute to his team in many ways. However, 3-point shooting was his calling card at Duke, and many expect him to transition smoothly into a sharpshooter in the NBA. With his versatility and ability to knock down the three-ball, Simmons thinks he is made for international basketball competition.
“I’m just betting that in three years it will make complete sense that he is on the team,” added Simmons. “He just checks so many boxes for the international thing. He won’t care if he plays that much. He’ll be ready if you need him. He has insurance at the swing spots. He can rebound.”
Simmons names his starting five
Aside from guaranteeing Knueppel’s inclusion in the 2028 team, Simmons also named the five players he wants to start for the team. Leading off his selections were Paris Olympics team members Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton, with Ant most likely the face of the team.
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“Starting five, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton as the back court. We’re assuming Tyrese Haliburton will come back at 100 percent. I love both of those guys,” Simmons continued. “Edwards will probably be the face of this team, and then Haliburton will probably be the best reliable point guard that we’re going to have in 2028, I would guess.”
“I have Paolo. I have Jalen Williams, who at that point will probably be a four-time NBA Champion, and we’ll want him on there as the second-best guy. And then Cooper Flagg was the first guy I wrote down,” he added.
With LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant no longer expected to play in 2028, Grant Hill’s hands will be full when the day of reckoning arrives. Simmons’ starting five is loaded with talent. Still, it doesn’t have the international experience their chief rivals will have by then. Remember that Ant and Hali, without the legendary trio, didn’t win a medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
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Knueppel looks tailor-made for international competition and the NBA, but he needs to prove that on the court.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.