From Nick Prevenas of NBADraft.
4 Charlotte
Kon Knueppel doesn’t have time for the lazy comparisons or the preconceptions based on what he looks like. He’s aware. He just gets buckets anyway. Knueppel found ways to shine on a loaded Duke squad – ways that may further endear him to NBA roster-builders who now have first-hand footage of what he would look like as a complementary player to a franchise centerpiece. Between hist efficient/consistent knockdown shooting (nearly 50/40/90 at Duke), strong secondary playmaking, high basketball IQ, and competitive streak, Knueppel reminds me of Desmond Bane, who just fetched a king’s ransom in that Orlando/Memphis trade. If Knueppel proves he can hang in on defense, he is a high-floor, purely additive player with the upside to become even more. The Hornets are in desperate need for steady playmaking alongside the LaMelo Ball circus, and Knueppel slides seamlessly into this starting lineup alongside Ball and Brandon Miller.
Specializing in drafts with top players on the NBA horizon, player profiles, scouting reports, rankings and prospective international recruits.
He’s wrong.
Time will tell all.
We will know who’s right in a couple years.
Holy shit! A Kyle Korver type?!?Kyle Korver? We could have another Kyle Korver on our hands?!?!?
Oh wow! Amazing!
That’s not saying much guys. Yeah everyone knows who Kyle Korver is. But he wasn’t that good.
We could have gotten a Kyle Korver type in the second round.
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This was the number 4 pick!
You have to expect more from a number 4 pick!!
I have a comp for Kon. From our very own Horners.
Dell Curry.
That’s his ceiling I think.
Yep, Korver was quite a proficient 3 pt shooter - #8 NBA all-time - but not a prolific scorer, which is what the Hornets need. Biancardi could have picked a better comp.
OMG. They just picked the same player as Kon with 29.
They literally picked the same player type with the same strengths and weaknesses. Very close in size.
I have no words for this.
McNeeley was a good pick at 29.
If they had taken a different player at 4 this could have been a home run draft.
elvis
June 26, 2025, 3:53am
1041
expectations from an organization that used the #6 pick on Celine Dion? WTF is the plan here. We have no center
29 Charlotte Hornets (via Phoenix Suns): Liam McNeeley, UConn Huskies
The fourth Montverde Academy product picked in this first round, McNeeley finally heard his name called at No. 29 after a bit of a draft night slide. In McNeeley and Kon Knueppel, Charlotte has added a pair of high-level shooters who’ve been lauded as two of the most competitive players in this draft. They should up the intensity level in Charlotte from Day 1.
https://x.com/CBB_Central/status/1938080104720236552
From Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.
4 Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke
Grade: A
Knueppel has a sharpshooter’s stroke, brainy pick-and-roll playmaking, and crafty scoring feel. He’s the type of player who can come in right away and fit on any team, including perfectly between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He’s got a slick midrange bag and strength scoring inside, but to become a player that takes over games he’ll need to overcome his average athleticism. This would matter a bit less playing in Charlotte, since he could be one of multiple ball-handlers on the team.
Charlotte Hornets: A-
Kon Knueppel (4), Liam McNeeley (29, trade from Phoenix)
It was a good day for the Hornets. First, you can never go wrong taking the best shooter on the board, which Knueppel was. It’s an especially smart pick when he can spread the floor for LaMelo Ball and knock down 3-pointers. He is also a quality defender (which they need next to Ball). He’s going to be a good fit with the Hornets between Ball and Brandon Miller on the wing.
McNeeley is a steal at 29. He came out of Montverde Academy playing alongside Flagg and Queen, and he impressed by shooting well while playing off the ball. However, he was forced to be a primary shot creator for Dan Hurley and the Huskies, shooting 31.7% from 3-point range. The Hornets are betting he can return to his high school form, working more off the ball.
Breaking: worst shooting team in league last season drafts shooters
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Somebody get Gassman a beer
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