LaMelo Ball Earns Praise After Successful Reccomendation To The Hornets Front Office

After years of struggling, despite some exciting young talent, the Charlotte Hornets began putting it all together in 2025/26, with the team now set for a matchup with the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Play-in over the next several days. Key pieces of this success have been LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, recent first-round picks of the team, but the clear change for this organization has been Kon Knueppel, who many believe is the favorite for Rookie of the Year in 2025/26.

In 81 games played, Knueppel averaged an impressive 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game, all while leading the NBA in three's made, shooting at an impressive clip of 43% from beyond the arc. Whether or not he wins ROTY, Knueppel has had a clear effect on this organization, and now, it's been revealed which player was a key part in getting him drafted in the first place.

According to a report from ESPN NBA Reporter Ohm Youngmisuk, LaMelo Ball highlighted Knueppel as a player that the Hornets should draft, while also leaving off some players that struggled to stand out in 2025/26.

"That was even more impressive that he was able to highlight him because there were some other guys that he didn't highlight. He may have a future in the front office if he wants."

This has drawn Ball rave reviews from the Hornets front office, as the team passed on the likes of Ace Bailey, Jeremiah Fears and others for Knueppel, who many saw as a reach when he was selected No. 4 overall.

Ultimately, Ball has been fantastic for this Hornets squad, but this may end up being his biggest contribution, as the team look set for sustained success with Ball, Knueppel and Miller moving forward.