Giannis Antetokounmpo is often regarded as the greatest star in Milwaukee Bucks history and arguably the best player the franchise has ever seen. Even so, there is a young, up-and-coming player from Milwaukee currently making waves in the league whom Giannis made sure to acknowledge and praise.
At this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend, Antetokounmpo met with Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel. Although Cooper Flagg is often viewed as the premier prospect from the 2025 NBA Draft, Knueppel is seen as being on a similar level to the Dallas Mavericks’ rookie.
“You’re probably one of the smartest rookies I’ve ever seen.” 💯
Giannis showed love to Milwaukee native Kon Knueppel during NBA All-Star! pic.twitter.com/VV82bgtvsy
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 17, 2026
“I was watching this interview, and you were talking about what makes Giannis hard to guard. And then you said, ‘He does the spin real quick.’ I’ve been doing it for 13 years, and it took a rookie to come in and understand what I’ve been doing,” the Bucks star spoke to Knueppel.
Giannis Antetokounmpo gives Kon Knueppel his flowers
Nov 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks as Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) defends during overtime at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Knueppel is currently sitting in second place in the Rookie of the Year race and even held the top spot for a time. This season, he is averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game for the Hornets. Additionally, he has been shooting an impressive 43.1 percent from three-point range.
“You’re probably one of the smartest rookies I’ve ever seen,” Antetokounmpo continued his praise of the young Hornet. “The way you play the game. You’re probably one of the most attentive players I’ve seen as a rookie. … You already got it. You’re only going to get better. You haven’t even figured out your spots yet.”
Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (7) competes in the three point contest during the 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This is a significant endorsement for Knueppel, earning high praise from Milwaukee’s own star. Even though he plays for the Hornets, it still feels like a point of pride for Milwaukee, since the rookie hails from the city.
Knueppel has already proven that he belongs at the NBA level. If Giannis’ assessment is accurate, Hornets fans have reason to believe they are witnessing the beginning of a promising and sustainable career.