Hornets' Kon Knueppel Only Rookie Named to NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest

The NBA All-Star weekend always finds a way to spotlight what is coming next, not just what has already been established. This year, that spotlight shines brightly on Charlotte. As the league released the field for the NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest, one name immediately stood out from the rest.

Kon Knueppel is the only rookie invited to take part, a rare honor that speaks volumes about both his shooting ability and the season he is putting together in Charlotte.

For the Hornets, the timing could not be better. Charlotte is riding a nine-game winning streak and has quietly pushed itself back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Sitting at 25-28 and just a half-game behind Atlanta for the 10th spot, the Hornets are playing their best basketball of the season.

Knueppel has been central to that surge, providing consistency, confidence, and a shooting touch that has translated immediately at the NBA level. His All-Star nod feels less like a novelty and more like recognition of something very real happening in Charlotte.

A Rookie Standing Tall Among Stars

Knueppel’s invitation places him in elite company. The contest field includes some of the league’s most accomplished and feared shooters, including Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis, and Norman Powell. For a rookie to earn a spot in that group is uncommon, and it underscores the respect Knueppel has already earned around the league.

Unlike some first-year players who flash in short bursts, Knueppel has been reliable from the opening tip of the season. Coaches trust him, teammates look for him, and defenses are already forced to account for his presence beyond the arc. That trust is what makes his inclusion feel earned rather than symbolic.

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel.David Richard-Imagn Images

(David Richard-Imagn Images)Consistency That Rarely Shows Up in Year One

Knueppel’s rookie resume is impressive on its own, but it becomes even more remarkable when viewed through the lens of consistency. He has appeared in 52 games and started 51 of them, a clear sign that Charlotte sees him as a foundational piece rather than a developmental project.

He is averaging 18.9 points per game while also contributing 3.6 assists and 5.5 rebounds, numbers that reflect a complete offensive player rather than a one-dimensional shooter.

His shooting has not only stretched defenses, it has opened the floor for everyone else. Charlotte’s recent winning streak has been fueled by spacing, pace, and confidence, and Knueppel checks all three boxes. For a rookie to handle that responsibility while maintaining efficiency is rare, and it explains why the league felt comfortable putting him on one of All-Star weekend’s biggest stages.

A Perfect Moment for Charlotte’s Momentum

The Hornets’ nine-game winning streak has changed the tone of their season. What once looked like a rebuilding year has turned into a legitimate push toward postseason relevance. At 10th in the Eastern Conference and within striking distance of Atlanta, Charlotte suddenly has meaningful games ahead, not just developmental ones.

Knueppel’s All-Star recognition fits neatly into that narrative. It validates what Hornets fans have been watching night after night and sends a message that Charlotte’s rise is being noticed beyond the local market.

All-Star weekend will give Knueppel a national audience, but it also gives the Hornets a chance to showcase the culture and momentum they are building.

For a rookie, the 3-Point Contest is a proving ground. For Charlotte, it is another sign that something is clicking at exactly the right time.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Hornets’ Kon Knueppel Only Rookie Named to NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest

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