Charlotte Hornets rookie guard Kon Knueppel is the real deal.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has proven that he’s not only ready to contribute from Day 1, but he’s also deserving of being considered the cornerstone of the Hornets’ lackluster franchise.
The Duke product was his usual efficient self against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday afternoon, finishing the contest with 20 points on 63.6% field goal shooting, 57.1% long-range shooting, and 100% in a 132-125 loss.
In the process, Knueppel broke an impressive all-time Stephen Curry record.
“Kon Knueppel now has the most games by a rookie in NBA history with 20+ points on 50/40/90%,” Real App stated on X/Twitter. “He passes Steph Curry.”
Knueppel’s stellar play alongside Cooper Flagg at Duke clearly wasn’t a fluke. The 20-year-old currently looks just as good, if not better, than he did while spending his lone collegiate campaign with the Jon Scheyer-led Blue Devils.
Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 31 games with the Hornets this season, connecting on 47.8% of his field goals, 42.8% of his three-point jumpers, and 89.7% of his free throws.
There’s no question that Knueppel’s calm demeanor, discipline as an on and off-ball offensive weapon, and gifted perimeter shooting will take him a long way in the big leagues.
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