For months, NBA Draft analysts talked tirelessly about Cooper Flagg’s potential at the next level. From the moment the Duke phenom started producing on a collegiate court, he was being elevated over his peers and dubbed the best domestic product since Anthony Davis or LeBron James.
The endless media attention Flagg garnered was warranted. Flagg was the best player in the country at the time, he should’ve been a senior in high school.But has Flagg’s dominance masked the perception around some other potential lottery, perhaps even some former Blue Devil teammates?
According to NBATV analyst Krysten Peek, some teams toward the top of the draft are showing interest in Duke standout Kon Knueppel.Namely, the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets.
“Teams like the Utah Jazz (No. 5) and Charlotte Hornets (No. 4) are showing interest in the versatile guard Kon Knueppel and like his ability to seamlessly slide in alongside a star, ball-dominant player like Cooper Flagg and still find ways to positively impact the game,” Peek said.
In his one season in Durham, Knueppel flashed his lethal shooting from distance, converting on over 40% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Knueppel was impressive around the cup in spurts and proved he was more than a stationary sniper.
He has a bit of an Austin Reaves archetype, as someone who can work as a primary ball handler, darting off pindown screens or dashing around the perimeter without the rock in his hands.
Coaches would welcome that willing and versatile skillset in any modern NBA attack.
If Knueppel is given the keys to the offense or at least allowed a long leash to be featured early in his tenure as a rookie, he can be an impact player instantly.
He’s someone who should continue to generate buzz before June 25.
