When the 2025 NBA Draft rolled around, few expected the Charlotte Hornets to play it safe. Yet at pick No. 4, with flashier, higher-upside prospects still on the board, they chose Kon Knueppel—a 6’7” sharpshooter from Duke whose game is built on precision, poise, and polish. The reaction? A mix of surprise, praise, and curiosity. Some called it the perfect fit for a young roster already loaded with creators. Others questioned passing on players with superstar ceilings. But as the film, stats, and Summer League performances show, the Hornets may have just added one of the most important building blocks of their future.
College Numbers That Matter
Knueppel posted elite efficiency at Duke:
- 14.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG across 39 games
- Shooting splits: 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT
- Earned ACC Tournament MVP, Second-Team All-ACC, and ACC All-Freshman honors.
Coach Jon Scheyer summed him up: “He understands what other people could consider small things to the game… He’s pissed … if he missed somebody on a pass.” A mindset for winning. (nba.com)
Immediate Summer League Impact
Knueppel carried over his Duke form to Summer League, averaging:
- 15.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8 APG
- Shooting roughly 40.6% FG and 34.3% from three
He showed more mid-range work and rim attacks—areas that had been limited in college—but the mechanics remained flawless. Analysts agree: he did what was needed without overextending.
Draft Night Context & Fit
Charlotte’s decision sparked debate:
- Duke teammate Cooper Flagg went No. 1, while other raw, high-ceiling players slid.
- Analysts like ESPN’s Jay Bilas called Knueppel “the best catch-and-shoot guy in this draft.”
- SBNation graded the pick an “A” for fit and long-term stability.
On Reddit, fans summed it up best:
“It’s a boring pick, but it’s also probably the pick least likely to blow up in our face. He’s a solid player that has elite shooting and can also distribute if called upon.” (reddit.com)
More Than Just a Shooter
Analysts outside Hornets circles reinforced his versatility:
- LibertyBallers argued he is a “whole lot more than just a catch-and-shoot player,” praising his IQ, passing, and efficiency. Comparisons ranged from Klay Thompson to Devin Booker.
- His assist-to-turnover ratio (>2.0) and 56.7% on 2PT shots point to an efficient, well-rounded scorer.
Fit with the Hornets’ Future Core
Knueppel’s value comes in how seamlessly he meshes with Charlotte’s roster:
- LaMelo Ball benefits from Knueppel’s gravity as a spot-up threat.
- Brandon Miller and Knueppel together offer size, shooting, and defensive versatility.
- Myles Bridges and Colin Sexton create multiple small-ball or balanced lineups.
His consistency and leadership match coach Charles Lee’s culture-first vision.
Conclusion: Safe Pick—or Core Weapon?
Knueppel may not wow crowds with athletic dunks, but:
- His shooting mechanics are elite
- He brings a championship-winning mindset
- His role adapts to star-heavy or balanced rosters
- He already thrives without high usage
Safe? Absolutely. But in Charlotte’s context, reliability could be their biggest swing.
Hornets fans—what’s your verdict? Is Knueppel the next indispensable piece of the core, or simply a dependable starter? Sound off in the comments.
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