Could Kon Knueppel Be the perfect Fit for The Charlotte Hornets?

Kon Knueppel - The Perfect Fit for the Charlotte Hornets? 

Kon Knueppel (On Tap Sports)

Kon Knueppel might be the most pro-ready player in the entire 2025 draft class. The 6’6” wing out of Duke is as polished as they come, and easily the best pure shooter in the lottery. He knocked down over 44 percent of his threes as a freshman, doing it in a variety of ways—off the catch, off movement, in transition, and even off the dribble. His shooting mechanics are smooth and consistent, and he plays with a confidence that makes him a constant threat from anywhere on the floor. 

But Knueppel brings more than just elite shooting. He’s a high-IQ player who sees the game one step ahead. He moves without the ball, makes quick reads, and rarely forces the issue. What really stood out at Duke was how well he complemented Cooper Flagg. With Flagg drawing so much defensive attention, Knueppel played his role to perfection—spacing the floor, moving the ball, and punishing defenders who gave him any room. That experience playing next to a star translates well to what he’d be asked to do in Charlotte. 

Knueppel is the kind of player who fits seamlessly next to high-usage creators like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. But he’s also capable of stepping into more responsibility if needed. He has solid handle, sharp passing instincts, and a steady pace to his game that allows him to take over secondary playmaking duties when the offense stalls. He could have the shooting impact of Brandon, stretching the floor and forcing defenses to stay honest, while also being capable of shouldering some of LaMelo’s playmaking load if he’s off the floor or being heavily pressured. That versatility is a huge asset in today’s NBA, and it’s exactly the kind of two-way offensive value Charles Lee’s system can maximize. 

The comp that keeps coming up is Desmond Bane—a strong, smart, knockdown shooter who plays with physicality and knows his role. Knueppel may not have elite athleticism, but he brings toughness, skill, and discipline. In a system that values ball movement, spacing, and efficiency, he’d thrive from day one. 

Still, as much as I like the player, I don’t know if he's worth taking with the fourth pick. That spot is typically where you aim for star-level upside, and while Knueppel is extremely safe, his ceiling doesn’t quite match some of the other names at the top of the board. But if a team is willing to trade up and the Hornets slide back to pick six or seven, I would take him. His fit with the roster is near perfect, and getting additional assets while still landing a guy who can contribute right away would be a win across the board.

Cover Image: Athlon Sports