Kon Knueppel’s hype isn’t just showing up on the court, it’s now hitting the trading card market in a big way. One of the young star’s cards recently sold for a record-breaking price, becoming the most expensive Kon Knueppel trading card ever purchased. The sale is another sign of just how much excitement is building around the rising prospect.
Ever since entering the league, Knueppel has carried huge expectations, and so far he’s done a solid job of living up to them. With impressive performances early in his career, both fans and analysts have started to view him as a player with serious long-term potential. That growing belief is now spilling over into the collectibles world, where demand for Knueppel memorabilia, especially his rookie cards, is quickly heating up.
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A post by the official Topps account on X confirmed the sale saying, “JUST SOLD: Kon Knueppel’s 1-of-1 Superfractor autograph fetched $396,500 at auction, making it the most expensive Kon Knueppel trading card ever.”
A Closer Look at Kon Knueppel’s Rookie Season
With the NBA season entering its final month, teams across the league are starting to show their true intentions. Some are locking in for a playoff push, while others are already looking ahead to draft night. For rookies, this stretch can be especially telling.
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While some first-year players hit the dreaded rookie wall, others use the extra opportunity and freedom late in the season to really show what they’re capable of.
That’s exactly what we’ve been seeing from Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets. The rookie guard hasn’t always been the loudest name in the class, but his steady production and elite shooting have quietly turned heads around the league.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) holds the ball in front of Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel. Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
(Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images)
Knueppel has already shattered the rookie record for most three-pointers in a single season and is now putting up numbers that place him in some pretty exclusive company. He’s joined legends like Stephen Curry and Larry Bird as one of the few rookies ever to record 1,000+ points, 300+ rebounds, and 200+ assists while shooting over 40% from deep.
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What really stands out about Knueppel, though, is how he impacts the game beyond just scoring. His off-ball movement, awareness, and ability to create space make life easier for teammates like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. As a result, he’s quickly gone from an under-the-radar rookie to a serious contender in the Rookie of the Year race, even overtaking former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg as the season heads into its final stretch.
Related: Hornets React to Kon Knueppel Making NBA History
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.