Slam Family Over Everything: The Knueppels’ 2025 SLAM Draft Suite Moment
In the whirlwind of the 2025 NBA Draft, one of the most touching and visually powerful scenes didn’t come from a buzzer-beater highlight reel or a jaw-dropping trade—it came from a suite full of family, love, and legacy. SLAM Magazine’s 2025 Draft Suite spotlighted a moment that resonated beyond basketball: the Knueppel family, with newly drafted Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel at the center, embodying the mantra—Slam Family Over Everything.
Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Knueppels are no strangers to hoops culture. Kon’s rise to national stardom had been well-documented: from standout performances at Wisconsin Lutheran, to becoming a McDonald’s All-American, and finally starring at Duke. But behind the polished shooting stroke and the on-court IQ was a tight-knit unit that never let the spotlight change the foundation—faith, family, and humility.
The SLAM Draft Suite captured that essence. While other draftees celebrated with agents and celebrities, Kon was surrounded by the people who shaped him—his father, Kevin Knueppel, a former college player himself, his mother, and siblings. The atmosphere was part celebration, part sacred ritual. There were hugs, tears, prayers, and quiet pride—all wrapped in a suite customized by SLAM to represent Kon’s journey.
What made the Knueppels’ moment so powerful was how organically it unfolded. Kon, fresh off hearing NBA Commissioner Adam Silver call his name, didn’t rush to social media or immediately line up interviews. He took a moment with his family first. His father offered a quiet word of encouragement. His mother wiped away tears of joy. SLAM’s cameras didn’t just capture a draft pick—they captured the culmination of sacrifice, the years of early morning workouts, road trips, faith-driven discipline, and unconditional love.
SLAM’s feature didn’t stop at the visuals. Through a sit-down interview held in the suite, Kon reflected on what the moment meant to him: “Basketball’s always been part of our family, but who we are off the court—that’s what matters most. Being drafted is a dream, but doing it with them here, that’s the real win.”
The suite itself reflected Kon’s personality and story. From framed photos of his high school days to custom Duke-to-Charlotte memorabilia, every detail honored his journey. A personalized jersey display symbolized the transition to the NBA, while a mural wall—curated with quotes from coaches, mentors, and SLAM covers—celebrated the legacy he steps into.
In an era where individualism often dominates the headlines, the Knueppels reminded the basketball world what truly lasts. SLAM’s Draft Suite served not just as a media moment, but as a reminder that behind every great player is a story—and behind that story is a family.
As Kon Knueppel begins his professional career, he does so with more than just talent. He carries a name, a mission, and a message: Slam Family Over Everything isn’t just a tagline. It’s a way of life.
