Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) holds the ball vs. Hornets' Kon Knueppel
Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The Charlotte Hornets underwent a few changes this offseason, most notably trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a package headlined by Naz Reid and an unprotected first-round pick in 2033. While losing Ball means that their high octane offense last season could take a hit, the Hornets front office is clearly confident in the ability of both of their prized youngsters, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, to lead the team moving forward.
Knueppel, in particular, had a brilliant rookie campaign, and he would have won the Rookie of the Year award had it not been for the excellence of Cooper Flagg. And his popularity is only rising by the second.
On Tuesday, the famous collectible company Topps posted a video of the Hornets forward naming his perfect all-time starting five. His quintet included players one would think are no-brainers, such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James at shooting guard and small forward, respectively. At point guard and power forward, Knueppel rolled with loyal franchise stars who definitely have an argument for being the best at their position in Stephen Curry and Tim Duncan, respectively.
But Knueppel made the surprise decision to select Victor Wembanyama as his starting center; Wembanyama is only entering his fourth NBA season, and yet the Hornets guard already chose him over other all-time greats.
“I feel like that's a nasty team. Got the Wemby aspect of him just being seven-foot-six, protecting the rim,” Knueppel said.
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Question 1 of 4
When the 2009 Magic reached the NBA Finals, which coach built a dangerous inside-out system that surrounded Dwight Howard with shooters and stretched defenses to the breaking point?
Indeed, on paper, this looks like a team that will dominate every opponent. Duncan is the perfect frontcourt partner for Wembanyama; Wembanyama can patrol the weak side, while Duncan defends the bigger post-up brutes while being an elite rim protector himself.
It might come as a shock to some that Wembanyama is already viewed this highly, but considering his rare blend of size, speed, shooting, and skill, Knueppel's choice to include him makes perfect sense.