Plagued by injuries to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, Charlotte has had an up-and-down season thus far in 2025. The team currently sits 12th in the Eastern Conference, five games behind the Boston Celtics for the final spot in the Play-In tournament.
However, throughout their struggles, they've found steadiness in recent No. 4 overall pick Kon Knueppel. Coming out of the draft, many expected Knueppel to be a serviceable role-player and the prolific shooter that Charlotte had desperately been looking for. But after 17 games for the Hornets this season, it's clear to see that his ceiling is even higher than that.
Thus far he's leading the NBA Rookie of the Year race by a wide margin, averaging 19.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Not to mention, his incredible shooting efficiency. Knueppel is shooting 90% from the free throw line, 43.8% from three point range and 49.1% from the field.
With these types of numbers, he has a real shot at joining the 50/40/90 club, a feat only accomplished nine times in NBA history.
This success has certainly caught the eyes of his teammates as well. After practice on Tuesday, veteran Miles Bridges had high praise for the rookie. "He's been great for us. He's been our best player this year." Bridges said.
Knueppel will look to build on the confidence his teammates have in him as the Hornets return to action on Wednesday against the New York Knicks, hoping to snap a rough six game losing streak.
More Hornets news:
- Hornets welcome encouraging Brandon Miller injury news
- NBA insider: 'Hornets not looking to move LaMelo Ball anytime soon'
- Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel nearing Larry Bird-level efficiency