Hornets Rookie Kon Knueppel Turns Heads, Captures Summer League MVP

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has turned plenty of heads the last few years. An elite five-star prospect, he played at Duke with phenom Cooper Flagg. And despite Flagg's presence, Knueppel impressed scouts enough to be selected fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

Knueppel went viral on draft night after posing with his little brothers, but is now going viral for his play on the court. This weekend, Knueppel led the Summer League Hornets to the title and was named the league's MVP. 

The Hornets faced off against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday for the summer crown. Charlotte went into the game 5-0 and remained undefeated after knocking off the Kings by a score of 83-78. 

Knueppel led his team in scoring with 21 points on 8 of 21 shooting and made four three-pointers. Knueppel contributed in other ways, also adding five rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes of play. 

Crucially, Knueppel helped the Hornets hold on after the team squandered an 11-point halftime lead. The rookie from Duke knocked down a three-pointer with thirty seconds left, which gave the Hornets a four-point lead that they would not relinquish. 

The rookie should be an important part of the team's future along with fellow top picks Tidjane Salaün, Brandon Miller, and LaMelo Ball. Knueppel is 19 years old and still has plenty of developing to do, but his shooting is already an NBA-quality skill. If everything else comes together for the forward from Duke, the Hornets could have a star on their hands.