“He Fits What We’re Building”: Charles Lee Raves About Kon Knueppel After Draft Pick
The Hornets’ coach believes Knueppel’s competitive fire and elite shooting are exactly what Charlotte needs to take the next step.
When the Charlotte Hornets were on the clock with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, fans held their breath, would they gamble on raw upside or opt for reliability?
Head coach Charles Lee left no room for doubt after the Hornets selected Duke sharpshooter Kon Knueppel.
“He’s an amazing human being,” Lee spoke after the selection. “He fits our culture that we continue to build here.”
With top prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe off the board early, many expected Charlotte to swing for a high-ceiling athlete like Ace Bailey. Instead, the Hornets zeroed in on a player they believe can contribute right away, both on the court and in the locker room.
“We talk about consistent competitors,” Lee emphasized. “We talk about being obsessed with daily improvement, and that’s what Kon’s about.”
Knueppel, a 6-foot-5 small forward, brings instant offensive firepower to a Hornets roster desperate for perimeter shooting. Charlotte ranked 27th in three-point percentage last season, a glaring hole that Knueppel’s 42.3% mark from deep at Duke is poised to help fix. His basketball IQ, off-ball movement, and pick-and-roll creation also give the team another layer of offensive flexibility.
“He’s just one of the best shooters in the draft,” Lee said. “He brings instant spacing to our team… and he just carries himself so well.”
Beyond the stats, Lee made it clear this pick was about more than just numbers. It was about identity. Culture. And belief.
“Looking forward to having him compete with our team,” Lee added. “He’s about competing. He took on the challenge of playing on the biggest stage and in some of the biggest pressure situations.”
Kon Knueppel stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Kon Knueppel stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Knueppel joins a promising young core that includes LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He may not be the most athletic player in the class, and scouts have noted his average wingspan and defensive limitations, but Charlotte is betting on his fit, skill, and maturity to raise the team’s floor.
And maybe, just maybe, Knueppel is the kind of stabilizing force that can shift the Hornets from rebuilding to contending.
If Charles Lee is right, Hornets fans won’t just remember who they drafted at No. 4. They’ll remember why.