The consensus around the NBA was that Cooper Flagg would be the best rookie during the 2025-26 season. After five weeks, it is pretty clear though, that Maine LeBron, while on his way to being a very good player, isn’t the top first-year.
That honor belongs to former Duke guard and #4 pick, Kon Knueppel. The Charlotte Hornets rookie has made more threes than any other player through their first 16 games in the association, and it really isn’t close.
He is putting up 50-40-90 numbers over his last 15 games, making him the youngest player to ever accomplish such a feat.
He’s been absolutely sensational, and incredibly fun to watch.
Let’s dive a bit further into Knueppel’s success.
Kon Knueppel Thriving with Young Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are the only team in the NBA this season that have four rookies in their regular rotation. Ryan Kalkbrenner, a second-round pick from Creighton, has looked very solid as the team’s starting center. Liam McNeeley, a standout from UConn, has had his moments. Of course, Sion James, who played with Kon Knueppel at Duke, has primarily been a starter, and been solid.
Knueppel has just been unbelievable. LaMelo Ball is clearly the most talented Hornet, while Miles Bridges is the most athletic. The number four pick looks like he may have the most upside, though. The shots have been dropping at an incredible rate, and most impressive is the fact that they have had the amount of youth they have, and the thriving has been there.
The Hornets are currently in the midst of a six-game losing streak. They are 4-13 overall, and don’t look all that improved from last season. What is most important though, is that it appears they finally have some cohesion. Veterans like Collin Sexton, Pat Connaughton, and Mason Plumlee seem to have the team getting along.
The most important thing for Knueppel and the other young Hornets, is to stay the course. The wins will eventually come. These are the building blocks.
Despite the Losses, the Vibes in Charlotte are High
One of the coolest stories of a historic NBA season took place in Charlotte just a few weeks ago. When the Hornets were on the road to face the Milwaukee Bucks, they stopped for a special dinner.
Kon Knueppel’s family, living in Milwaukee, hosted the entire team for a dinner. Mason Plumlee said that in 13 years in the association, he hasn’t done anything like this.
Seeing an entire family hosting an entire NBA roster is certainly something you won’t forget. Knueppel has four younger brothers, who have now gotten to experience a dinner with their oldest sibling’s full roster.
The post from Kon’s mom ended up going extremely viral. This is known by the fans around the league, now. Perhaps we may even get to see something else like it.
Getting back to stats and numbers, it’s pretty Charlotte’s lottery pick is their the best rookie. Cooper Flagg has had some moments, but has struggled on a Dallas team trending downward. Ace Bailey got off to a slow start with the Utah Jazz. Dylan Harper has dealt with injuries with the San Antonio Spurs.
VJ Edgecombe was off to a roaring start with the Philadelphia 76ers, but he has come back to earth. Some other big names have been Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears with the New Orleans Pelicans, as well as Cedric Coward with the Memphis Grizzlies.
At 19 ppg, the Hornets rookie is leading all first-years in scoring. His efficiency has been incredible. And he is already one of the best three-point shooters in the league.
The future is bright for this special kid from Duke.
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