The Charlotte Hornets have signaled a massive shift toward postseason contention by acquiring dynamic scorer Coby White from the Chicago Bulls. In exchange, the Hornets sent fan-favorite Collin Sexton to Chicago. The Hornets are betting on the North Carolina native as they aim to end a decade-long playoff absence. By DIAMOND VENCES| ROD BOONE
Just for a brief second, given the hectic schedule that’s become a daily routine, Kon Knueppel takes a minute to reflect on a journey that’s probably felt like it’s happened at warp speed.
“Yeah, it’s cool,” the Charlotte Hornets rookie told The Charlotte Observer. “Definitely a blessing to be able to get to do some really cool stuff. Basketball’s taken me a long way and I think it’s (about) not taking these moments for granted. Pretty cool.”
Knueppel will be a pretty busy guy during NBA All-Star weekend.
Despite jumping on a plane for an early-morning flight Thursday not long after Wednesday night’s win over the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center, he won’t have much of an opportunity to soak up the Southern California sunshine. He’ll start things off by being a part of the NBA’s All-Star Tech Summit, which will feature former President Barack Obama.
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel is presented with the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month award for January at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Along with participating in the Rising Stars event at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Friday as a member of Team T-Mac coached by Tracy McGrady, Knueppel will be on Team Duke with Jalen Johnson and Corey Maggette in the Shooting Stars challenge on Saturday.
Throw in competing in the 3-point contest, and he’s hit the trifecta as a rookie.
“Yeah, it’s cool,” Knueppel said. “They asked me to do it. When they asked me to do it, it was [an] immediate, ‘Yes.’ I think it’s a cool opportunity, something I’ve done before at different levels. So, it’ll be cool.”
And nothing outside what he’s already shown in his short tenure in the NBA.
Winner of three consecutive Eastern Conference rookie of the month awards to begin his career, Knueppel is the fastest player to record 100 career 3-pointers made, accomplishing the feat in 29 games.
The 183 shots he’s knocked down beyond the arc are second in the NBA only to Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, who’s merely two makes ahead of Knueppel.
Still, that doesn’t mean those numbers will transfer over to the 3-point contest. In becoming the sixth member of the franchise to suit up in the event and first since Devonte’ Graham in 2020, he’s fully aware of the difficulties that will be presented.
“Just the rack,” Knueppel said. “Shooting off the rack’s different than a normal one little shot or a pass from a teammate.
Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel, left, looks to pass as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray applies defensive pressure during action at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
“I just think you’re going to miss a couple, so not dwelling on a miss is important. Just keep shooting them. And obviously the time concept as well. You’ve got to keep your pace a little.”
The Shooting Stars event boasts a two-round format. Four teams compete in the first round, with the top two advancing to the final round.
With the teams competing one at a time, each will have 1:10 to score points while rotating through seven shooting locations on the court. The team with the higher score in the final round is crowned champion.
Knueppel is hoping the Blue Devils’ contingent emerges victorious.
“It’ll be cool,” Knueppel said. “I’m not really sure about the format, haven’t paid much attention to that yet. But that’ll be good to get out there and play a little game.”