Knueppel finished with 16 points (5-10 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block over 26 minutes in Monday's 87-69 Summer League win over the Mavericks.
Knueppel returned to action Monday after missing Saturday's game with a lingering ankle injury, knocking down three three-pointers and posting a double-double. He impressed as a freshman at Duke last season, averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from beyond the arc over 39 total games. The rookie projects as a plug-and-play contributor for the Hornets this season.
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Hornets' Kon Knueppel: Cleared to play Monday
Rotowire
Knueppel (ankle) is available for Monday's Summer League game against the Mavericks.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 Draft, Knueppel sat out Saturday's win over Philadelphia as part of a buildup following a pre-draft ankle injury, but he'll return to game action Monday. The 19-year-old posted five points (1-8 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-6 FT), four assists, one rebound and one steal across 30 minutes in Friday's win over the Spurs.
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Hornets' Kon Knueppel: Ruled out Saturday
Rotowire
Knueppel (ankle) won't play in Saturday's Summer League matchup against the 76ers, Nick Carboni of WCNC Charlotte reports.
Knueppel will miss the second night of the club's back-to-back set as part of a buildup following a pre-draft ankle injury. However, he's expected to suit up in Monday's game against the Mavericks. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft struggled in Friday's win over the Spurs, posting five points (1-8 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-6 FT), four assists, one rebound and one steal across 30 minutes.
Hornets' Kon Knueppel: Selected by Hornets at No. 4
Rotowire
Knueppel was selected by the Hornets with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Knueppel is one of the best shooters in the draft and was lauded for his feel of the game. The 6-foot-7 Duke product impressed off the dribble, using his strong frame to displace defenders and high processing speed to make timely passes. He figures to be an excellent connector piece from Day 1, filling in at the small forward slot between Brandon Miller (wrist) and Miles Bridges (hip). While Knueppel won't have the ball in his hand much -- Miller and LaMelo Ball (ankle) should eat up usage -- he excels at contributing off the ball through cutting and running around off-ball screens as a shooting threat. There are some question marks about how Knueppel will hold up on the defensive end, but his length and high IQ could make up for what he may lack athletically.
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