Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is continuing on an historic rookie campaign and is showing no signs of slowing down.
In a blowout against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, Knueppel posted 12 points, six assists and three steals on 5-of-7 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. This outing comes off an 18-point, 8-rebound performance in a loss to Indiana on Thursday.
Yahoo! Sports NBA contributor Steve Jones released an update to his rookie rankings for the NBA season and, like many, continues to hold the Hornets rookie in high regards. Knueppel ranks second on Jones’ list just behind Dallas Mavericks rookie and his for Duke teammate Cooper Flagg.
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Jones’ analysis on Knueppel
“There are only three players in the NBA who have made 130 or more 3s so far,” Jones wrote. “Donovan Mitchell (133), Stephen Curry (132) and Knueppel (130). Speaking of Curry, Knueppel has already broken Curry’s rookie record for the most games with 20-plus points on 50/40/90 shooting splits (12).
“Make no mistake about it, these 3s are not all of the catch-and-shoot variety. Knueppel understands how to create space for himself, will leverage a shot-fake to get to a side-step, or may just pull up regardless of what the defense is doing. Throw in his consistent willingness to drive, and it starts to sink in how he keeps defenses off-balance — and why he’s put together such a strong rookie campaign.”
Knueppel is making this season’s Rookie of the Year race less of a sure thing than many had it going in. Should he continue this impactful stretch, the Charlotte’s sharpshooter will give Flagg a run for his money.
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