Kon Knueppel has emerged as one of the most exciting rookies of the 2025-26 regular season, giving the Charlotte Hornets a much-needed glimpse of hope for the future.
The 20-year-old has dazzled fans with his smooth shot-making and elite three-point accuracy, traits that already stand out among his rookie classmates. His early-season rise has earned him plenty of praise from fans and media members alike, including The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and ESPN’s Tim Legler.
“I loved (Kon) Knueppel in the draft. I just think he looks like he's 27 years old already. He's running offense, he rebounds, he's always in the right spots, doing the right things,” Simmons said.
🎙️ @BillSimmons: "I loved (Kon) Knueppel in the draft. I just think he looks like he's 27 years old already. He's running offense, he rebounds, he's always in the right spots, doing the right things..."
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) November 14, 2025
🎙️ @LegsESPN: "He has a feel for the game that you just cannot teach... He's… pic.twitter.com/lo6vxYVA1k
Knueppel has been lightning in a bottle for Charlotte, averaging 16.6 points and 6.4 rebounds on 44.6% shooting from the field. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller sidelined, the Hornets have leaned heavily on their rookie to generate offense. Just last week, he erupted for 30 points and eight rebounds against the Miami Heat and has scored in double figures in all but two games this season.
“I will admit, I may have missed the ceiling down the road on Knueppel in the draft,” Legler added. “He’s really shooting up the draft boards… and now I see why. This looks exactly like what he’s supposed to be doing.”
Selected fifth overall after a standout season at Duke, Knueppel’s draft stock skyrocketed alongside teammate and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. His polished skill set, spacing ability, and pro-ready scoring package made him one of the most intriguing wings in the class.
So far, he hasn’t disappointed. Knueppel’s game carries shades of a modern-day Devin Booker — smooth, efficient, and capable of lifting an offense. Now sitting atop the Rookie of the Year ladder, he’s a player to keep a close eye on as the season unfolds. And if he keeps this production going, he could help lift Charlotte well above their current spot at 12th in the Eastern Conference.
More Hornets news:
- Hornets turn frontcourt question mark into early season advantage
- Behind the meaning of '6-7' meme, including connection to LaMelo Ball
- Pat Connaughton scores season high facing former Bucks teammates
- Hornets rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner shines one day after becoming a father