Report: Hornets Now Building Around Rookie Kon Knueppel
The reassessment follows an insider report prompted by a two-game, 62-point burst.
Overview
- NBA insider Michael Scotto, as cited by The Sporting News, reports Charlotte now views Kon Knueppel as its franchise centerpiece with plans to build alongside Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball.
- Knueppel followed a 33-point outing with 29 in a road win over the Cavaliers, totaling 62 points across his last two games.
- He is characterized as the early Rookie of the Year favorite and has shown two-way growth that exceeds pre-draft expectations of a shooting specialist.
- Charlotte’s rookie class is delivering: Sion James has provided perimeter defense, Ryan Kalkbrenner has anchored the paint efficiently, and Liam McNeeley is topping 40% from three off the bench.
- Team results have lagged with injuries, LaMelo Ball has drawn criticism for shot selection and defense, and analysts note the offense is increasingly running through Knueppel.