Kon Knueppel averaging 3.6 3-pointers per game in his rookie season has been a pleasant surprise for the Charlotte Hornets. What has made it even more impressive is that he has been pretty efficient from beyond the arc at 42.8 percent. He even has the most threes among all players who have shot at least 40 percent from long range.
Jamal Murray is right on his heels, though, trailing by just five 3-pointers. If Knueppel has to sit out some more games because of his sprained ankle, the Denver Nuggets star could overtake him soon. Fortunately, it does not seem like he will be out for much longer, as he is already listed as probable to play in the Hornets’ next bout.
Shooting Hornets into contention
In many ways, the former Duke University star has been an ideal fit with the Hornets. With Charles Lee having put an emphasis on the 3-point shot since his arrival in the 2024 offseason, the ability to unleash him as a long-distance weapon has been a boon for the squad.
The thing is, Knueppel has been more than just a sniper for the Hornets. He has also been able to help the team through his shot-creation and off-ball prowess. Their offense still remains middling, ranking 15th in offensive rating. Still, that’s a lot better than when they ranked 29th last season, only ahead of the Washington Wizards. A major difference between the two campaigns is “King Kon.”
That’s not to say the first-year pro deserves all the credit for Charlotte’s much-improved offense. But his efficiency, presence, and gravity have certainly been helpful, especially with both LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller still working to push their field-goal percentages toward 40 percent. Interestingly, Knueppel’s 3-point shooting has been better than his teammates’ overall efficiency from the field.
Once the entire squad’s shooting is up to par, and with Knueppel’s efficient shot-making, it’s hard not to expect the Hornets rise in the standings.
Pushing toward 50-40-90
Aside from impacting the franchise’s pursuit of turning its fate around, Knueppel could also look into joining the NBA’s prestigious 50-40-90 club. The last one to achieve the feat was Kevin Durant in the 2022-23 season.
This season, there are several candidates who can join the list, but Knueppel might be the most likely to do so. After struggling a bit from the field to start his professional career, he has upped his field-goal percentage to 47.8 percent. Hitting 53.8 percent of his shots in his previous seven games has definitely helped. As for his free-throw percentage, Kon is currently at 89.7 percent, so it wouldn’t be that hard to raise it toward the threshold.
Hopefully, he can sustain his shooting numbers as his career progresses. Not only will it help him continue to be viewed as one of the league’s best youngsters, but it can also help elevate the Hornets into prominence.