Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel
Getty
Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel turning heads ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Aside from their drastically improved play this season, one of the biggest storylines for the Charlotte Hornets has been rookie Kon Knueppel. He’s performed so well in his first year in the pros that some are already tossing out the idea of him showcasing his skills on a grander stage.
Headlined by his college teammate in Cooper Flagg, the 2025 draft class was seen as one with an abundance of difference-making talents at the top. This has proven to be the case, with Knueppel (selected No. 4 overall) being one of the class’s early standouts.
Knueppel’s top skill coming out of Duke was his three-point shooting, but he’s proven to be much more than a threat from beyond the arc. While he is leading the league in three-pointers made, he is also averaging 19.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 3.5 APG.
As he continues to shine for the Hornets, many are already dubbing him as someone who could be the league’s top marksman for years to come. Knueppel has been so impressive in this facet of the game that it might land him a chance to compete on a global stage with some of his top NBA counterparts.
In a recent column for ESPN, NBA insider Vincent Goodwill broke down the future of Team USA as the road to the 2028 Olympics continues. When discussing possible young players who could break through in two years, Knueppel was among those brought up. Goodwill also reported that the Hornets wing has “opened eyes” with his stellar shooting from beyond the arc.
Through his first 57 games, Knueppel is shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc on eight attempts per game.
Hornets Rookie Kon Knueppel Closing in on Making NBA History
Knueppel’s three-point prowess should not be understated, as he is putting together arguably the best shooting season from a rookie in league history. Now in the final stretch of the 2026 campaign, the Hornets forward is closing in on etching his name in the record books.
At the time this is being written, Keegan Murray holds the record for the most threes made by a rookie with 206. Barring an unfortunate turn of events, Knueppel is well on his way to dethroning him. He is already closing in on 200 makes, and given that he’s averaging over three makes from deep a game, Murray isn’t long for the top spot.
On top of surpassing the record, Knueppel also has a chance to become the first rookie in league history to lead all players in three-pointers made in a season.
Kon Knueppel Lands on Projected 2028 Team USA Olympic Roster
In light of all the recent talk of how the 2028 Team USA roster could shape up, ESPN’s Zach Kram made a projection of his own. Despite being one of the league’s younger talents, Knueppel secured a spot.
The top guard spots went to Team USA veterans in Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards. However, the backup positions are a pair of fresh faces. Alongside Knueppel is Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham.
Aside from these two, other notable new additions include Flagg, Jalen Duren, Amen Thompson, and Scottie Barnes.
Prior to the 2028 Olympics, Knueppel could make his debut for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup in 2027.