The 2025 NBA Draft is hours away and the intrigue couldn't be bigger. It's assumed Duke's Cooper Flagg will be going off the board No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, ahead of Rutgers' Dylan Harper, who is expected No. 2 to the San Antonio Spurs.
After that, it's a scramble for talent and what fits best. The Philadelphia 76ers hold the keys at No. 3 with Baylor's VJ Edgecombe the presumptive favorite, leaving many questions for the Charlotte Hornets at No. 4. Ace Bailey potentially falling down the board might happen, at least that's what projected by ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony and others.
Here's a look at what the insiders are saying for the Hornets at No. 4 overall on Wednesday night. ESPN's Jonathan Givony, CBS Sports' Kyle Boone, NBC Sports' Noah Rubin, Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo de Choch, and Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman are all locked in on one player for Charlotte.
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke | Freshman | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220 | Standing reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-6
Givony says:
Should Edgecombe (whom the Hornets are said to be high on) come off the board at No. 3, Charlotte will likely be choosing between trade-down scenarios or picking among Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, Bailey and Tre Johnson. The fact that Fears and Bailey have not worked out for the Hornets doesn't appear to be a significant hindrance in their decision-making process.
Rival teams believe the Hornets will ultimately prioritize Knueppel's strong perimeter shooting, playmaking and leadership skills, as well as his strong fit with the likes of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The Hornets would be going for a safer option in Knueppel after swinging for the fences with Tidjane Salaun in last year's draft at No. 6.
Knueppel rates well in analytics-based draft models, but the Hornets might ponder whether they could still add him if they elect to move down a few slots and acquire additional assets in the process.
Boone says:
Knueppel is the best shooter in the draft class and his fit in Charlotte next to Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball is impossible to ignore. The Hornets feel like a sneaky contender to move up to grab Edgecombe, who has elevated in NBA circles as the potential No. 3 pick. But if they don't, Knueppel or Johnson could be killer consolation prizes.
Rubin says:
Knueppel would immediately fill out a young, fun starting five for Charlotte next to LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams. Knueppel’s shooting will help a lot on one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league last season. He should be an efficient starter for the Hornets for a long time while providing a sense of stability in the rotation, which has been an issue in recent years. By adding Knueppel, Charlotte will have enough talent to make a return to the postseason, assuming health is on their side
O'Connor says:
Knueppel has a sharpshooter’s stroke, brainy pick-and-roll playmaking and crafty scoring feel. He’s the type of player who can come in right away and fit on any team, including perfectly between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He’s got a slick mid range bag and strength scoring inside, but to become a player who takes over games he’ll need to overcome his average athleticism. This would matter a bit less playing in Charlotte, since he could be one of multiple ball-handlers on the team.
Asseo de Choch says:
Hornets want to add a perimeter defender or athletic guard/wing to improve defensive infrastructure around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Knueppel’s shooting and IQ make him an instant plug-and-play next to Charlotte’s young core.
Wasserman says:
The belief that the Charlotte Hornets are leaning toward Knueppel is growing, even if Ace Bailey is on the board. Aside from Knueppel's projectable shooting, scoring efficiency and passing IQ, his professionalism is viewed as a major draw for Charlotte.
It does feel like there is a lot of smoke here, but after Charlotte took a risk on a long-term player like Tijane Salaun, it makes sense to go with one of the perceived safer prospects whose skill set is highly coveted.
Every team figures to have some level of interest in Knueppel's shotmaking, efficient scoring and easy fit. And viewed as a safe pick with a valued, bankable skill in shooting, the Duke forward also flashed enough driving ability and ball-screen playmaking for teams to see a more versatile, well-rounded offensive player.
The 2025 NBA Draft begins Wednesday in Brooklyn, New York (8 p.m. ET on ABC).