Kon Knueppel delivered strong performances for much of the 2025/26 season after being selected fourth overall in the draft, but his production dipped late in the year, including in Charlotte’s two play-in games, as Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer noted. Despite being in the Rookie of the Year conversation, Knueppel didn’t try to justify […] The post Kon Knueppel says ‘no excuses,’…

Will Cooper Flagg overtake Kia Rookie of the Ladder leader Kon Knueppel at No. 1 before 2025-26 ends? Given the date of posting for this Kia Rookie Ladder, the temptation was strong to declare a new leader in the weekly rankings, a fellow who had flown below the radar all season, only to emerge this week: Cooper Knueppel.   Naturally, he would have played last season at Duke. He’d be a franchise…

Key Highlights Kon Knueppel is gaining ground in the Rookie of the Year race over Cooper Flagg. The Charlotte Hornets’ strong performance has bolstered Knueppel’s case for the award. Knueppel holds NBA rookie records and is highly productive on both ends of the court. Fallowing recent injuries, Flagg may struggle to reclaim his lead in the Rookie of the Year race. The Rivalry for Rookie of the…

Key Highlights Kon Knueppel broke Keegan Murray’s NBA rookie record for most 3-pointers with his 207th attempt. The achievement came in a win against the Indiana Pacers, with Knueppel scoring 28 points and making 8 out of 12 three-point attempts. Knueppel is shooting at a high rate of 44.2% from beyond the arc, currently leading all rookies and contributing significantly to the Hornets’ playoff…

Kon Knueppel set career highs with eight 3-pointers and 34 points as visiting Charlotte Hornets withstood a career-high 49 points from fellow rookie Cooper Flagg to beat Dallas Mavericks 123-121 on Thursday. The matchup between the top Rookie of the Year candidates — former ‍Duke teammates — lived up to expectations, with the Hornets emerging with their fifth straight win after Flagg’s 20-foot…

Key Highlights Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter draft top rookies for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars. Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel selected with top two picks. The mini-tournament will be held on February 13 at LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome, part of NBA All-Star 2026. Former NBA player Austin Rivers will coach the G League Rising Stars…

Dec 26, 2025, 10:32 PM ET Charlotte Hornets rookie guard Kon Knueppel injured his right ankle late in the second quarter and did not return Friday night in a 120-105 win over the Orlando Magic. Hornets coach Charles Lee said X-rays on Knueppel’s ankle were negative and Knueppel would be evaluated again when the team returns to Charlotte. The Hornets led 57-48 in the final seconds of the first…

Dec 22, 2025, 10:54 PM ET Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel became the fastest player in NBA history to make 100 3-pointers in Monday night’s 139-132 loss to the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Knueppel entered the game with 99 3s in 28 games. He made his 100th with 49.2 seconds left in the first quarter and finished the game 5-of-7 from distance for 20 points. Fastest to Reach 100 3s in NBA…