Knueppel’s arrival signals more than just another draft pick. It represents a new hope for the Charlotte Hornets—a chance to rewrite a tired narrative of missed opportunities and losing seasons
He’s not a savior, but he might just be the spark the franchise needs to finally turn the corner.
Time will tell, but for now, Hornets fans have reason to believe again.
At No. 4, Knueppel might not have been the flashy pick, but he could be the right one. NBA teams often regret chasing athletic potential without regard for fit.
Charlotte has taken a different path—choosing a player whose strengths align with their roster and vision.
Only time will tell if Knueppel becomes a staple in the Hornets’ rotation or if Ace Bailey makes them regret their choice.
But for now, the franchise is betting on a high-IQ shooter with a team-first mindset—and in today’s NBA, that may be exactly what’s needed.
Also Read: Wally Szczerbiak Reveals the Key Trait That Could Make Kon Knueppel an NBA Star and Paid Partnership
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Kon Knueppel is the Pick: Charlotte Hornets Go Bold at No. 4
With the fourth overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets surprised many by picking Duke swingman Kon Knueppel, bypassing several other high-profile prospects.1
The move sparked a flurry of reactions across social media, as fans and analysts weighed in on what it means for the future of the Hornets.
Knueppel became the second Duke player in the top four, following consensus No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who was selected by the Dallas Mavericks.
The 19-year-old Knueppel is considered one of the most complete offensive players in the draft, and the Hornets are betting big on his two-way potential.
A Glimpse at Knueppel’s Freshman Year at Duke
Before turning pro, Kon Knueppel played one season at Duke and was a key figure in their Final Four run. He posted solid stats for a freshman, averaging:
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14.4 points per game
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47.9% shooting from the field
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40.6% from beyond the arc
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4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steal per game
These numbers showcase his efficiency, particularly from long range. His ability to stretch the floor and create offense without needing to dominate the ball makes him a valuable asset in today’s perimeter-oriented NBA.
A Divide Between Optimism and Doubt
Reactions to Knueppel’s selection at No. 4 were mixed—some fans were puzzled, others were excited, and a few downright frustrated. Social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), became a hotbed of takes.
Some fans believed Charlotte reached too early:
“They shoulda picked Bailey and traded down,” one fan wrote.
“Terrible pick. He’s gonna be good but man the Hornets passed on talent.”
Others, however, saw the upside:
“Definitely the best shooter in the draft,” a fan praised.
“Knueppel? Bet he’s a 3&D stud, can’t wait to see him ball.”
“I love this. He’s 6’7” with long arms. The Hornets backcourt is huge now.”
This polarity in opinion isn’t unusual—especially for a franchise like Charlotte, which has had a mixed track record in recent drafts.
Was Ace Bailey the Better Option?
A significant portion of the Hornets’ fanbase was hoping the team would draft Rutgers star Ace Bailey, an electrifying forward with elite athleticism. Bailey slid to No. 5, where the Utah Jazz scooped him up.
Bailey was viewed as a more explosive and dynamic athlete, with a higher “ceiling” by traditional scouting standards. His fall to No. 5 gave rise to speculation that Charlotte may have overthought their pick, opting for “fit” over “upside.”
However, Charlotte’s front office may be playing the long game. With established creators like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, they may have felt Knueppel’s floor-spacing and defense better complement their core.
How Kon Knueppel Fits with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller?
From a team-building perspective, the selection makes sense. The Hornets already have two ball-dominant players in LaMelo Ball, an All-Star playmaker, and Brandon Miller, a scoring wing with size.2
Kon Knueppel slots in nicely as a third offensive option and a glue guy. His elite shooting opens up driving lanes for Ball, and his defensive awareness and effort will allow Charlotte to throw out longer, switchable lineups.
Additionally, Knueppel’s high basketball IQ and unselfish nature align with Hornets coach Charles Lee’s reported vision of playing smart, team-oriented basketball.
A New Identity for the Hornets?
Charlotte’s selection of Knueppel may signal a shift in organizational philosophy. Instead of chasing highlight-reel athleticism, they’re building around shooting, length, and basketball IQ.
This mirrors what teams like the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat have done in recent years—favoring players who can space the floor, make quick decisions, and guard multiple positions.
Knueppel’s fit in this system could be seamless. At 6’7” with a reported 6’10” wingspan, he has the physical tools to be an effective 3&D wing, and his college track record suggests he can step into a contributing role immediately.
NYC ➡️ CLT pic.twitter.com/surC9XeqTG
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 26, 2025
Concerns Over Knueppel’s Athleticism and Ceiling
While Knueppel brings a polished offensive game and mature mentality, some critics point to his average burst and athleticism as red flags.
In an era where top wings are elite athletes capable of guarding multiple positions and creating offense off the dribble, Knueppel’s lack of explosiveness may limit his ceiling. Against the NBA’s fastest and strongest, can he hold his own defensively or finish through contact?
Still, it’s worth noting that many players with similar criticisms—Desmond Bane, Klay Thompson, and Joe Harris—have carved out successful careers by excelling in defined roles.
Kon Knueppel‘s Work Ethic and Leadership Qualities
One aspect of Knueppel’s game that doesn’t always show up in the box score is his leadership and work ethic.3
At Duke, he was often praised for his maturity, film study, and commitment to improvement.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer described him as a “true professional at 19“ and someone who “makes his teammates better on and off the floor.”
These are qualities that tend to translate well into the NBA, particularly in locker rooms needing stability—something Charlotte has lacked in recent seasons.
What This Means for the Hornets Going Forward
The Hornets now have a young core of:
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LaMelo Ball (22)
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Brandon Miller (21)
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Kon Knueppel (19)
With that trio, plus other role players like Mark Williams and Nick Smith Jr., Charlotte has quietly assembled a versatile and talented group.
The key now lies in player development, something that’s historically been an issue for the franchise.
If Knueppel can stay healthy, improve his foot speed, and continue hitting shots at a high clip, he could easily outperform his draft slot—and silence critics in the process.
Also Read: Kon Knueppel to Duke: How Jon Scheyer and His Staff Discovered the Elite Prospect
Kon Knueppel Ready to Shine in the NBA
A New Beginning with the Charlotte Hornets
Kon Knueppel has officially begun his NBA journey after being selected fourth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-6 sharpshooter brings not only a polished offensive game but also the kind of maturity and work ethic that could help change the trajectory of a struggling Hornets franchise.
Knueppel’s excitement to start his career in North Carolina is apparent, and his familiarity with the area after playing college basketball at Duke makes the transition smoother.
He’s not just another top pick—he’s a potential building block for a team desperate for stability and success.
Draft Day Delight: Knueppel Becomes the No. 4 Pick
The Hornets’ decision to select Kon Knueppel with the fourth overall pick wasn’t exactly a surprise, but it did reflect a firm commitment to reshaping their identity.
Known as one of the best shooters in the draft, Knueppel had long been viewed as a lottery lock. His stock rose steadily throughout the college season at Duke, where he showed versatility, high basketball IQ, and a winning mentality.
During a post-draft Zoom call with Charlotte-area media, Knueppel made it clear that he’s ready to hit the ground running:
“I’m super excited to be here, especially in an area I’m familiar with in North Carolina… I’m coming in and just going to give it my all right away and be ready to work hard—can hopefully affect winning in a big-time way.”
Kon Knueppel: Partnership
Kon Knueppel tied up in a partnership with Chiptole and asking his fans to go grab his Chipotle order in the app and online for draft week.
View this post on Instagram
From Durham to Charlotte: Staying in North Carolina
For Knueppel, playing in Charlotte is something of a homecoming. He spent his college career playing at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from his new NBA home.
This familiarity offers an emotional and logistical advantage that many rookies don’t get.
“It feels good to be in a place I already know. That helps a lot with the transition. I know the fans here care deeply about basketball,” Knueppel said.
His strong connection to North Carolina could help him adapt quickly, both on and off the court, something critical for a franchise that desperately needs immediate contributions from its young talent.
A Perfect Fit: What Knueppel Brings to the Hornets
Kon Knueppel is far from a one-dimensional player. While he himself acknowledged that his shooting is the “best part” of his game, there’s a lot more he offers.
At Duke, he was known for his intelligent decision-making, unselfish play, and willingness to do the dirty work.
He’s a high-character player who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make a difference.
“I think obviously the best part about my game is my shooting. And that’s something I’m always going to rely on, but I think there’s a lot more to me as a player than that,” he said.
The Hornets have lacked consistency on both ends of the floor, and Knueppel’s all-around game could offer much-needed balance. His ability to stretch the floor, move without the ball, and defend multiple positions fits well with today’s pace-and-space NBA.
Kon Knueppel: Leadership and Character
Intangibles That Matter
One of the things that drew Charlotte to Knueppel wasn’t just his shooting or basketball resume—it was his character.
He’s been praised by coaches at every level for his maturity, leadership, and strong work ethic. Those traits are essential for any team trying to rebuild from the ground up.
In a league where locker-room culture can make or break a team’s potential, Knueppel brings the kind of professionalism that could help stabilize things in Charlotte.
He’s the kind of player who leads by example, who buys into coaching, and who embraces accountability.
Even with all his potential, Knueppel understands that the NBA is a different beast. The speed, physicality, and mental grind of an 82-game season will test him in ways college basketball never could. He’ll have to adjust to more complex defenses, stronger opponents, and higher expectations.
Still, he’s not shying away from the challenge. In fact, he welcomes it.
“I just want to keep getting better. I know it’s going to take a lot of work, but I’m ready for that,” Knueppel said. “This is the level I’ve always dreamed of playing at.”
A Weapon for Coach Charles Lee
- First-year head coach Charles Lee has a lot to figure out, but having a player like Knueppel at his disposal makes the task a bit easier.
- Knueppel can play shooting guard or small forward, handle the ball in a pinch, and serve as a catch-and-shoot threat from anywhere on the floor.
- Lee, known for his time as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, favors a modern offense built on spacing, movement, and unselfish play. Knueppel fits that mold perfectly and could find himself playing a key role from day one.
- While Knueppel’s offensive prowess has received the most attention, his defensive game is often overlooked.
- Though not an elite athlete, he’s a smart, fundamentally sound defender who understands positioning and angles.
- He competes hard, doesn’t shy away from contact, and communicates well—skills that translate at the pro level.
- With NBA strength training and coaching, he could develop into a solid two-way player. He may not be locking down elite wings just yet, but his awareness and effort make him a net positive on the defensive end.
Also Read: Dame Sarr Speaks Out: What Sealed the Deal with Duke Basketball?
