Kon Knueppel

Knueppel is an American guard who entered the NBA as a top-five pick in 2025 after a decorated freshman season at Duke, where he emerged as one of the ACC's premier scorers and playmakers. He has played for the Charlotte Hornets, where he has already demonstrated leadership and scoring ability as a rookie.

Born Kon Knueppel II on August 3, 2005, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School. As a freshman, he averaged 10.8 points. As a junior, he averaged 19.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. As a senior, he averaged 26.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists and was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball. He led Wisconsin Lutheran to a 30-0 record and a Division 2 state championship.

Knueppel was rated a five-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals and committed to Duke over Alabama, Virginia, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Marquette, and USC. He made his college debut on November 4, 2024, with 22 points and four rebounds in a win over Maine. On November 11, he earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors. He scored in double figures in multiple ACC games, including 25 points against Miami and 22 points against North Carolina.

On March 15, 2025, Knueppel was named ACC tournament MVP after scoring 18 points and grabbing eight rebounds in Duke's 73-62 victory over Louisville in the championship game. He declared for the 2025 NBA draft, and the Charlotte Hornets selected him with the fourth overall pick. He led the Hornets to the 2025 NBA Summer League championship and was named Summer League Championship MVP with 21 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the final.

Knueppel is a versatile guard with a smooth shooting stroke, deep range, and playmaking vision. He scores on catch-and-shoot threes, off-the-dribble pull-ups, and timely cuts to the basket. His size and rebounding instincts for a guard make him a unique offensive threat.

Knueppel enters each season as a cornerstone of the Charlotte Hornets, carrying the expectations of a top-five pick and an ACC tournament MVP award. His trajectory from a Wisconsin high school to a Duke standout and a first-round draft pick reflects scoring excellence, leadership, and a commitment to expanding his offensive arsenal at every level.