NBA legend thinks Hornets' Kon Knueppel presents a significant danger to Warriors' Stephen Curry.

Caleb Hightower

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Hornets' Kon Knueppel poses serious threat to Warriors' Stephen Curry, NBA legend believes image

Mike Watters-Imagn Images

TL;DR

  • Kon Knueppel, projected No. 1 pick, excels as a wing player focused on 3-pointers for Charlotte.
  • Knueppel is averaging 19.4 points, shooting 49.1% from the floor and 43.8% from beyond the arc.
  • Reggie Miller believes Knueppel's shooting ability poses a threat to Stephen Curry in the future.
  • Knueppel's longevity and health will be crucial to matching Stephen Curry's NBA career dominance.

Although Dallas Mavericks standout Cooper Flagg was the Duke player generating the most buzz for the 2025 NBA draft, more focus should be placed on his sharpshooting collegiate teammate, Kon Knueppel, who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. 

Selected fourth overall by the Charlotte Hornets, Knueppel has proven to be a standout for Charlotte, excelling as a wing player focused on 3-pointers. He's currently averaging 19.4 points per contest, shooting 49.1% from the floor and 43.8% from beyond the arc. 

While Knueppel still has a long way to go, not only in Year 1 but also the rest of his NBA career, a well-respected NBA legend believes he already poses a serious threat to Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. 

“He’s (Knueppel) winning Rookie of the Year ,” Reggie Miller said on ‘The Dan Patrick Show' Tuesday. “And dare I say this, dare I say this: Is Stephen Curry going to be a little nervous in about 15 years?”

“Just go back and look at Steph’s first two or three years, in terms of 3-pointers made, and what Kon has done this year. Just look at their first years. But here is the problem, you got to stay healthy — longevity. You’ve got to stay healthy. 17 years, 18 years for Stephen Curry. Can Kon Knueppel do that over a long period of time? I want to see it.”

Though Knueppel lags far behind Curry in terms of creating shots and dribbling flair, the 20-year-old has already demonstrated his capability as a self-assured and dependable 3-point shooting expert at the highest level. 

However, as Miller pointed out, Knueppel's endurance will be crucial, given Curry's nearly twenty-year dominance over opponents from beyond the arc, with a career three-point shooting average of 42.3%. 

Since entering the NBA in 2009, Curry has made more than 4,000 three-pointers, distinguishing himself from other exceptional shooters. Knueppel faces a significant challenge, but he's making good progress as he starts his NBA career.

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Editorial Team