The 2025-2026 NBA season has been tough for the Charlotte Hornets. Before their NBA Cup game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, the team had a record of 4 wins and 13 losses. This puts them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and getting a No. 10 Play-In spot is getting harder. But even with the team struggling, one young player has stood out. Rookie Kon Knueppel has become a big star and is getting a lot of respect from his teammates and the league.
Kon Knueppel: A Statistically Elite Rookie Season
Knueppel was the No. 4 pick from Duke University. In his first season with the Hornets, he has played very well. Fans in Charlotte are excited to watch him play. In his first 17 NBA games, he is scoring 19.4 points per game. He also shoots very efficiently, making 49.1% of his shots.
What makes Knueppel special is his three-point shooting. He makes 3.7 three-pointers per game, which is the sixth-best in the NBA. He shoots 43.8% from three-point range, the best on the Hornets. His overall shooting efficiency (eFG%) is 62.6%, showing he is a very strong offensive player.
Miles Bridges: “He’s Been Our Best Player This Year”
Knueppel’s great play has impressed not just fans, but also his teammate Miles Bridges. Bridges is a veteran and the team’s top scorer. After a practice, he said,
“He’s been great, he’s been our best player this year. He’s consistent and works hard every game. He is a great person, and it’s been fun to play with him.”
Bridges’ words show that Knueppel is mature, works hard, and plays well even when the team is losing. This support from a veteran player shows Knueppel can become a key player for the Hornets in the future.
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The Budding Rookie of the Year Race: Flagg vs. Knueppel
Knueppel’s strong start has put him in the running for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He shares the top spot in betting odds with Cooper Flagg, his former Duke teammate, who is now with the Dallas Mavericks. Both have the same chances of winning (+115).
Knueppel has already set a record for the most three-pointers made in the first 17 games of a career, with 63 made. If he keeps scoring 19.4 points per game with high efficiency, he will stay a favorite for Rookie of the Year. Fans will want to watch both him and Flagg this season.
Conclusion
A New Hope for Charlotte Hornets Fans
Even though the Hornets are 4–13 and having a rough start, Kon Knueppel is a bright spot. His scoring and efficient shooting give fans hope for the future. With leaders like Miles Bridges supporting him, Knueppel is on his way to becoming a superstar. He is already showing that the future of the Charlotte Hornets can be built around him.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable statistical sources regarding the Charlotte Hornets and Kon Knueppel’s rookie season. Readers should cross-check updates from official NBA and news outlets.