Kon Knueppel earned the start in his debut on Wednesday with the Charlotte Hornets, finishing as one of nine players in double figures in a win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Knueppel produced 11 points, five rebounds and one assist in the 136-117 victory at the Spectrum Center. He finished by shooting 4-of-6 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, and was a plus-10 in 25 minutes on the court.
Brandon Miller paced the Hornets with 25 points and seven assists, while LaMelo Ball scored 20 points and eight assists and Miles Bridges added 18 points and 11 rebounds. Five others combined for 60 points to help the Hornets win their fifth straight season opener.
“It was kind of like a potluck tonight: Everybody was eating,” Knueppel said. “Everybody is playing unselfishly. That is fun basketball, and that is how it is supposed to be played. Hopefully, we can keep that going.”
Knueppel had a strong preseason run with the Hornets, averaging 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists in five games. He showcased his ability as a facilitator on offense, thanks to his vision and cutting, while also operating in pick-and-rolls, traits that were on display on Wednesday.
The fourth pick started and came off the bench, proving effective in either role asked of him by coach Charles Lee. He ultimately got the nod on Wednesday after his run in the preseason and some favorable matchups that the team liked against the Nets.
Knueppel appears poised to play a significant role for the Hornets this season, based on his versatility and overall skill set to impact games on both ends of the court. The team is asking a lot of him, and the 20-year-old looks to be up for the challenge.
“Me, Coach, Tre (Mann) and Collin (Sexton) had the discussion about we can start on any night and just having the same mindset of attacking the game and being ready to go,” Knueppel said. “He said whoever starts the game is not necessarily the guy ending the game in a close game, so just keeping that in mind. I think starting, coming off the bench, just attacking the game with the same mindset is always going to be good.”