Hometown Pride
Born in Milwaukee on August 3, 2005, Knueppel attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School, where he was a standout talent. In his senior year, he exploded with averages of 26.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, leading his team to a perfect 30–0 season and the state championship—earning Wisconsin Mr. Basketball honors .
He grew up a die‑hard University of Wisconsin Badgers fan, making his selection by the NBA’s Hornets all the more bittersweet for local fans .
Duke Dominance
Opting for Duke, Kon quickly made his mark in the 2024–25 season. He shot 47.9 % from the floor, 40.6 % from 3-point range, and an impressive 91.4 % from the charity stripe, averaging 14.4 points, 4 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists per game .
Knueppel was named ACC Tournament MVP after guiding the Blue Devils to the Final Four .
—
What Charlotte Gets at No. 4
Elite Shooting
With Charlotte languishing near the bottom in three-point efficiency last season, Knueppel’s ~40 % accuracy from deep offers immediate offensive juice .
He’s viewed as the “connective tissue” linking guards LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller .
High Basketball IQ & Hustle
Duke’s Jay Bilas called him “the best catch‑and‑shoot guard in the draft” thanks to his sharp instincts—evidenced by plays like saving a teammate from stepping out of bounds .
Though some question his athleticism, Knueppel counters with relentless effort on defense, diving for loose balls and demonstrating a pro-level work ethic .
A Solid Fit
Analysts say Knueppel aligns perfectly with Charlotte’s needs, helping fix their spacing and efficiency woes .
Some experts, however, still saw him as a mid-to-late lottery pick, thinking he lacked a superstar ceiling .
—
Fan & Front Office Reaction
Hornets brass reportedly used “smokescreens” before the draft to conceal their plans—even “overstating” or downplaying their interest in Knueppel .
On Reddit, reactions are split:
> MrAtlantic: “Kon just has no ceiling … Perfect pick at like 15, not FOUR.”
But others argue he’s the kind of professional with “work ethic” and culture-building potential .
—
🐝 What This Means for Charlotte
1. Boosted Offense – Helped by Knueppel’s shooting, Charlotte’s efficiency should improve quickly.
2. Culture Upgrade – His defensive grit and team-first mentality could lift the entire locker room.
3. Long-Term Upside – At 6’5″ and 215 lbs with floor spacing and IQ, he’s the kind of investment that can shine beyond expectation.
—
Final Take
Kon Knueppel’s selection at No. 4 is a bold statement from the Hornets: they’re serious about sharpening their shooting and building a cohesive culture. While he may not be the flashiest player in the class, his elite shooting, high IQ, and hustle-first identity align with what Charlotte needs to rise in the East.
For fans who grew up cheering him on as a Badger, it’s surreal to see Wisconsin’s own now don a Hornets jersey. Expect Hornets territory to buzz this season—as Kon Knueppel prepares to light the boards on both ends.
