In a move that blends skill, stability, and elite basketball IQ, the Charlotte Hornets selected Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It’s a selection that raised eyebrows for some but was met with quiet approval from those who understand the nuances of building a well-rounded, team-oriented roster. Knueppel may not be the most explosive athlete in his draft class, but what he lacks in flash, he more than makes up for with polished fundamentals, scoring efficiency, and an advanced feel for the game. With this pick, the Hornets are sending a message—they are prioritizing smart, efficient basketball and are ready to build around substance over style.
Knueppel’s ascent through the draft ranks was steady and well-earned. A standout at Duke University during his freshman year, he quickly emerged as one of the most reliable shooters and smartest players in the country. Before his collegiate career, Knueppel was already turning heads at Wisconsin Lutheran High School and in AAU circuits, where his shooting touch, court awareness, and competitive mindset consistently set him apart. At 6’6” and around 215 pounds, Knueppel brings size, strength, and a smooth shooting stroke that has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most consistent wing scorers. While many teams are drawn to raw athleticism and high ceilings, Charlotte made a calculated decision to draft one of the most NBA-ready players available.
Throughout his year at Duke, Knueppel proved to be much more than just a spot-up shooter. Averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, he was a reliable scoring option who could handle the ball, initiate offense when needed, and make winning plays on both ends of the floor. His shooting splits—over 50% from the field, 43% from three, and 88% from the free throw line—speak to his efficiency and shot selection. What separates him from many young wings, however, is his decision-making. Knueppel rarely forces shots, always seems to make the right pass, and understands how to move without the ball to create spacing and passing angles for his teammates.
For the Hornets, who are still in the midst of a rebuild and trying to define their team identity, Knueppel provides a stabilizing presence. With franchise cornerstone LaMelo Ball returning from injury and the promising young big man Brandon Miller developing into a legitimate two-way threat, the Hornets needed a player who could complement their stars rather than compete for touches. Knueppel fits that mold perfectly. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be effective, can space the floor for drives and post-ups, and is equally comfortable playing off screens or as a secondary ball-handler. His unselfish style of play should mesh well with Ball’s flashy passing and Miller’s aggressive scoring mentality.
One of the most exciting aspects of Knueppel’s game is his shooting versatility. He can hit threes off the catch, pull up in transition, and even post up smaller guards thanks to his strong frame and excellent footwork. His ability to create separation using body control and subtle fakes is reminiscent of veterans who have made long careers in the NBA as scoring wings. Defenders find it difficult to speed him up or knock him off his rhythm, which is a rare quality for a player entering the league at just 19 years old. The Hornets have lacked consistent shooting for several seasons, often ranking near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage. With Knueppel now in the mix, those struggles may soon be a thing of the past.
While he is best known for his offense, Knueppel is no slouch on the defensive end. Though not the most explosive athlete laterally, he’s a smart positional defender who rarely gets caught out of place. His effort, communication, and ability to contest shots without fouling make him a trustworthy option against most perimeter players. In a league that often exposes weak defenders through constant switching and spacing, Knueppel’s high basketball IQ and discipline should allow him to hold his own. He’ll never be the guy shutting down elite guards one-on-one, but he doesn’t need to be. What he provides is consistency, a quality every young team desperately needs.
Knueppel also brings intangibles that are difficult to measure but essential for a rebuilding team. He’s a leader by example, known for his work ethic, coachability, and poise under pressure. Those who have watched him closely note how calm he remains in big moments and how focused he is on executing the game plan rather than seeking personal accolades. The Hornets, who have struggled with inconsistency and a lack of veteran presence, can count on Knueppel to set a tone of professionalism and preparation. In many ways, he’s the type of player who improves team culture just by being in the gym every day.
Off the court, Knueppel has the demeanor of someone built for the NBA grind. Coming from a basketball family—his father played in college and coached at a high level—Knueppel has been around the game his entire life. He speaks like a seasoned vet, understands the responsibilities that come with being a top draft pick, and has already shown a desire to be great rather than merely good. That maturity is a key reason why Charlotte felt confident selecting him so early in the draft. For a team trying to change its reputation and move beyond years of underperformance, character and leadership matter as much as stats.
As the Hornets look ahead to the upcoming season, Knueppel is expected to slot in as a starting wing from day one. His skill set allows him to play either shooting guard or small forward, giving the coaching staff flexibility with lineups. Whether alongside LaMelo Ball in a fast-paced offense or next to a defensive-minded lineup centered around Mark Williams, Knueppel is the kind of glue player who makes everyone around him better. His presence will also allow Brandon Miller to take more risks as a scorer, knowing that Knueppel will be there to space the floor and make smart decisions with the ball.
There will, of course, be challenges. Like all rookies, Knueppel will face faster, stronger, and more experienced competition than ever before. He’ll need to adjust to the NBA schedule, the travel, and the pressure of being a high draft pick. Opposing defenses will test his quickness and force him to make plays off the dribble against elite defenders. Yet nothing in Knueppel’s past suggests he won’t rise to the occasion. If anything, his methodical and calculated style of play is well-suited to gradual, sustainable growth rather than a boom-or-bust trajectory.
Charlotte’s decision to draft Knueppel may not have created the kind of buzz reserved for high-flying dunkers or flashy scorers, but in time, it could prove to be one of the smartest moves of the 2025 NBA Draft. In a league where shooting, spacing, and intelligence have never been more important, Knueppel checks all the boxes. His game translates immediately, and his ceiling is higher than many realize. Surrounded by young talent, a supportive organization, and a coaching staff eager to develop their core, Knueppel will have every opportunity to flourish.
For a franchise looking to finally take the next step after years of mediocrity, this pick represents more than just a new player—it symbolizes a shift in identity. The Hornets are building something real, something sustainable, and they’ve chosen to do it with players who understand the game at a deep level. Kon Knueppel may not bring the loudest highlights, but he brings what wins games: shooting, decision-making, toughness, and trust.
As Charlotte turns the page to a new chapter, fans have reason to be hopeful. With LaMelo Ball orchestrating the offense, Brandon Miller continuing to evolve, and now Kon Knueppel bringing elite shooting and basketball IQ to the wing, the Hornets are quietly assembling one of the most intriguing young cores in the league. Time will tell how far this group can go, but with Knueppel on board, the foundation has never looked stronger. The Hornets didn’t just draft a shooter—they drafted a future leader, a steady presence, and a player who could help redefine Charlotte basketball for years to come.
