Kon Knueppel Injury News & Updates

Knueppel generated 21 points (7-12 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven assists, three rebounds, one block and one steal across 32 minutes of Friday's game 111-86 win over Toronto.

Knueppel tied for the team high in points and scored his most points in six games. The rookie was red-hot from beyond the arc, knocking down five triples for the seventh time this season. In 23 games, Knueppel is averaging 18.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 46/41/90 shooting splits.

Knueppel posted 13 points (5-16 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four assists and four rebounds over 34 minutes during Charlotte's 119-104 loss to New York on Wednesday.

Knueppel struggled from deep during Wednesday's loss but still managed to finish tied with Tidjane Salaun for the second-most points on the Hornets behind LaMelo Ball (34). Knueppel -- the Hornet's No. 4 selection in the 2025 NBA Draft -- has been one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year honors through the first quarter of the regular season, though he's cooled off as of late, having averaged 15.8 points on 37.9 percent shooting over his last four outings.

Knueppel closed Monday's 116-103 loss to Brooklyn with 18 points (7-18 FG, 4-9 3Pt), six rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes.

After struggling with his shot Nov. 26 against the Knicks, Knueppel has seemingly reentered a groove, averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 3.3 threes made on a 40.0 percent clip in his last three appearances. He led all Charlotte scorers Monday, and figures to continue his role as the team's high-volume sharpshooter.

Knueppel tallied six points (2-12 FG, 0-7 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds and two assists over 30 minutes during the Hornets' 129-101 loss to the Knicks on Wednesday.

Knueppel entered Wednesday's game connecting on 49.1 percent of his field-goal attempts and 43.8 percent of his three-pointers. However, the rookie struggled with his shot during the blowout loss, and his six points were his lowest since Nov. 1 against the Timberwolves (five points). Still, Knueppel has been one of the bright spots in what has been a poor start to the regular season for the Hornets. Since Nov. 1, he has averaged 20.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 0.8 steals over 35.0 minutes per game.

Knueppel supplied 28 points (9-17 FG, 7-11 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six rebounds, three assists and one block over 34 minutes during Sunday's 113-110 loss to Atlanta.

Knueppel led the Hornets with a game-high-tying 28 points and was one of three Charlotte players to score at least 20. Additionally, he knocked down a game-best seven three-pointers. The rookie first-rounder was also active on the glass, grabbing six-plus boards for the third time in his last four appearances. The 20-year-old swingman has logged four consecutive games with 24 or more points and at least four triples. During that span, he has averaged 26.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 36.5 minutes per contest.

Knueppel posted 26 points (9-12 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, one assist and one steal over 34 minutes during the Hornets' 131-116 loss to the Clippers on Saturday.

The first-round rookie's performance was shadowed by a 55-point outburst from James Harden, but Knueppel did what he could to keep the Hornets competitive during Saturday's game, leading the team in scoring while connecting on a career-high six three-pointers. Even with Brandon Miller (shoulder) making his 2025-26 debut to join LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges in the starting lineup, Knueppel still appears to have an integral role for himself in the Hornets' offense. Knueppel has scored at least 20 points in four of his last five games, and over that span he has averaged 23.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals over 36.1 minutes per game while shooting 56.4 percent from the floor (including 46.7 percent from three on 9.0 3PA/G).

Knueppel generated 28 points (11-20 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds and seven assists across 42 minutes of Wednesday's 127-118 loss to the Pacers.

Knueppel led the Hornets in scoring, and he scored at least 24 points for the fifth time in 15 games. His seven assists were his second most in a game this season. The rookie has played 34 or more minutes in six of his last seven appearances, and he's averaging 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists during that stretch.

Knueppel logged 24 points (9-16 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and three steals over 36 minutes during the Hornets' 110-108 loss to the Raptors on Monday.

Knueppel led the Hornets in scoring during Monday's loss and finished second in that category behind Brandon Ingram (27). It was the sixth time this season that Knueppel connected on at least four triples, and he has recorded three steals in two of his last three outings. The No. 4 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft has opened his rookie season averaging 17.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 0.9 steals over 32.9 minutes per game while connecting on 40.2 percent of his three-point attempts on 8.0 3PA/G.

Knueppel closed Friday's 147-134 overtime loss to the Bucks with 32 points (12-20 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 4-5 FT), three rebounds, three assists and three steals in 41 minutes.

Knueppel continues to go from strength to strength, scoring a career-high 32 points, logging a whopping 41 minutes. He has now started in all but one game this season, averaging 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 3.3 three-pointers across his first 12 appearances. It should be noted that much of his production has come without LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, making this a potential sell-high opportunity.

Knueppel logged 19 points (6-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 505 FT), 10 rebounds, nine assists and one steal over 38 minutes during the Hornets' 121-111 loss to the Lakers on Monday.

Knueppel filled up the box score Monday, registering his second double-double of the season and fell one dime shy from the first triple-double of his NBA career. The No. 4 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft has played himself into an integral role in the Hornets' offense, and it'll be interesting to see how his minutes and usage will be impacted when Brandon Miller (shoulder) is cleared to return. Knueppel has averaged 19.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 0.8 steals over 35.4 minutes per game in five games since Nov. 1.

Knueppel closed with 30 points (9-23 FG, 5-13 3Pt, 7-7 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 40 minutes during Friday's 126-108 loss to the Heat.

With LaMelo Ball (ankle) missing in action the past three games, Knueppel has seen his usage rate surge to 23.7 and he's responded with averages of 24.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 4.0 triples per contest. He's the first rookie this season to score 20-plus points in three straight games and the only rookie with back-to-back, 20-point performances.

Knueppel finished with 20 points (7-16 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 12 rebounds and two assists across 32 minutes during Tuesday's 116-112 loss to the Pelicans.

Knueppel followed up his career-high 24-point performance against the Jazz with another solid outing. He continues to show why he's one of the best rookies this season with big-time fantasy value.

Knueppel collected 24 points (9-17 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, five assists and one steal in 35 minutes during Sunday's 126-103 win over the Jazz.

Knueppel turned in the best scoring performance of his young NBA career, catching fire from beyond the arc after going just 2-for-12 from deep in his previous two appearances. The 20-year-old has shown that he can contribute with consistency outside of the scoring column, and while he certainly has the tools to score the basketball, he's been passive at times on the offensive end. This resulted in back-to-back five-point showings leading up to Sunday's impressive outburst. Knueppel should only continue to improve as he finds his footing at the next level.

Knueppel chipped in five points (1-9 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and one steal over 31 minutes during Saturday's 122-105 loss to the Timberwolves.

Knueppel struggled mightily to get going from deep, but he was able to pull down a season-high eight boards. The rookie first-rounder has now posted back-to-back five-point performances, though the Hornets appear to be comfortable deploying him as a starter. Knueppel has averaged 12.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 3.0 three-pointers in 29.3 minutes per game over six contests, so he's flashed plenty of upside as a three-point shooter.

Knueppel posted 19 points (7-15 FG, 5-11 3Pt), three rebounds, four assists and one steal in 27 minutes during Tuesday's 144-117 loss to the Heat.

Knueppel was dangerous from beyond the arc yet again Tuesday, where he tallied 15 of his 19 points. He's hit three or more triples in each of his first four NBA appearances, averaging 16.0 points along the way. Knueppel should continue to see plenty of opportunities while Brandon Miller recovers from a shoulder injury.

Knueppel produced 20 points (7-12 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists, one steal and two turnovers in 35 minutes during Sunday's 139-113 win over Washington.

The rookie has gotten off to an impressive start this season, registering averages of 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 3.7 triples per contest on 55.2 percent shooting from the floor. He should continue to start as long as Brandon Miller (shoulder) is out, so he's someone to consider grabbing if you need some points and triples.

Knueppel is in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Wizards.

Knueppel moved to the bench Saturday after starting the season opener Wednesday but actually logged five more minutes in the reserve role. The rookie out of Duke will rejoin the starting lineup with Brandon Miller (shoulder) sidelined and will look to notch his third straight double-digit scoring effort to open his professional career.

Knueppel ended Saturday's 125-121 loss to the 76ers with 14 points (5-11 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist in 30 minutes.

After starting his professional debut in Charlotte's 136-117 season-opening win over Brooklyn on Wednesday, Kon Knueppel played 30 minutes off the bench on Saturday night. If Brandon Miller (shoulder) is forced to miss any time, the rookie could find himself back with the starters as early as Sunday against the Washington Wizards. Either way, the 20-year-old should see consistent playing time for the Hornets in 2025-26 after they selected him with the fourth overall pick in last June's draft.

Knueppel won't start in Saturday's game against the 76ers.

Collin Sexton will get the starting nod over Knueppel on Saturday. The rookie started Wednesday's season-opening win over Brooklyn, recording 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt), five rebounds and one assist over 25 minutes.

Knueppel ended Wednesday's 136-117 win over the Nets with 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt), five rebounds and one assist over 25 minutes.

The Hornets started both Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner in this game, but coach Charles Lee warned previously that those two spots could be "fluid." However, the starting group seemed to really click Wednesday, and there's a good chance the two rookies run away with their starting roles based on their fit, talent and draft capital.

Knueppel logged 12 points (5-12 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two steals over 24 minutes during Friday's 113-108 preseason loss to the Knicks.

Knueppel was in the starting lineup for Charlotte's final two matchups of the preseason, tallying 21 total points and seven assists over this brief stretch. The rookie out of Duke appears poised to begin the 2025-26 regular season in a starting role for the Hornets and will have plenty of firepower surrounding him in Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball (knee) and Brandon Miller (wrist).

Knueppel will be in the starting lineup in Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies.

After coming off the bench during Thursday's preseason matchup against the Thunder, the rookie forward will be in the first five. The Duke product will join LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Ryan Kalkbrenner in the starting lineup. Veteran guard Collin Sexton will be in the second unit.

Knueppel will come off the bench during Thursday's preseason game against the Thunder, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

After dropping a team-high 18 points in Sunday's preseason loss to the Thunder, Knueppel will be in the second unit. The Duke product played well in limited minutes as a starter and will try to follow that up with a similar performance off the bench.

Knueppel logged 18 points (6-13 FG, 4-10 3PT, 2-2 FT) with two rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes of Sunday's 135-114 preseason loss to the Thunder.

Knueppel drew the start and led the Hornets in points and shot attempts Sunday. After an impressive Summer League run, Knueppel hit the ground running in his first taste of preseason action and made a strong case to be in the starting lineup for Opening Night.

Knueppel recorded 21 points (8-21 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds and two assists during Sunday's 83-78 Summer League championship win over the Kings.

Knueppel put together an impressive performance to close out Summer League, posting a team-high 21 points. He connected on a game-high four three-pointers, including a clutch three-pointer to put Charlotte up four with 32 seconds remaining. Knueppel's performance earned him the Summer League title game MVP award.

Knueppel recorded 17 points (5-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), three rebounds, three assists and two steals across 21 minutes in Saturday's 109-80 Summer League win over the Thunder.

Knueppel finished as Charlotte's second-leading scorer in the win. He has now posted at least 16 points in three consecutive Summer League outings. Following Saturday's dominant victory, the Hornets will face the Kings in Sunday's championship game.

Knueppel posted 19 points (7-13 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, six assists and two steals over 29 minutes during Thursday's 106-81 win over the Spurs.

Knueppel tied for the team lead in points and assists on the way to yet another impressive showing. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Knueppel has shown in back-to-back Summer League appearances that he's ready for the next level. He should get another chance over the weekend to continue building his case for a rotation spot.

Knueppel finished with 16 points (5-10 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block over 26 minutes in Monday's 87-69 Summer League win over the Mavericks.

Knueppel returned to action Monday after missing Saturday's game with a lingering ankle injury, knocking down three three-pointers and posting a double-double. He impressed as a freshman at Duke last season, averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from beyond the arc over 39 total games. The rookie projects as a plug-and-play contributor for the Hornets this season.

Knueppel (ankle) is available for Monday's Summer League game against the Mavericks.

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 Draft, Knueppel sat out Saturday's win over Philadelphia as part of a buildup following a pre-draft ankle injury, but he'll return to game action Monday. The 19-year-old posted five points (1-8 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-6 FT), four assists, one rebound and one steal across 30 minutes in Friday's win over the Spurs.

Knueppel (ankle) won't play in Saturday's Summer League matchup against the 76ers, Nick Carboni of WCNC Charlotte reports.

Knueppel will miss the second night of the club's back-to-back set as part of a build up following a pre-draft ankle injury. However, he's expected to suit up in Monday's game against the Mavericks. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft struggled in Friday's win over the Spurs, posting five points (1-8 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-6 FT), four assists, one rebound and one steal across 30 minutes.

Knueppel was selected by the Hornets with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Knueppel is one of the best shooters in the draft and was lauded for his feel of the game. The 6-foot-7 Duke product impressed off the dribble, using his strong frame to displace defenders and high processing speed to make timely passes. He figures to be an excellent connector piece from Day 1, filling in at the small forward slot between Brandon Miller (wrist) and Miles Bridges (hip). While Knueppel won't have the ball in his hand much -- Miller and LaMelo Ball (ankle) should eat up usage -- he excels at contributing off the ball through cutting and running around off-ball screens as a shooting threat. There are some question marks about how Knueppel will hold up on the defensive end, but his length and high IQ could make up for what he may lack athletically.