Kon Knueppel does not appear to have the superstar potential that some of his draft classmates possess. Still, the Charlotte Hornets rookie might end up making more of an impact than some of them because he has looked like the "ideal third or fourth guy" for any team, as Bill Simmons put it in a recent episode of his podcast.
Does that mean Knueppel is unlikely to become a star? Considering that he was drafted fourth overall, becoming merely a role player might not be the ideal outcome for him.
He is definitely coming in with heavy expectations. Some of the players who were drafted in the same spot in the last 25 years and made it to at least one All-Star Game include Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Mike Conley, Russell Westbrook, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Scottie Barnes. The previous three No. 4 picks, Keegan Murray, Amen Thompson, and Stephon Castle, have displayed perennial All-Star potential. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Knueppel join that prestigious list one day, though, based on what we've seen from him.
The former Duke University standout could even turn into an All-Star-caliber player and a Team USA mainstay if he progresses as expected. His combination of elite shooting, underrated shot creation and playmaking, and ability to play solid team defense should help his journey to stardom.
Kon Knueppel is on his way to becoming a coveted asset
The good news is that even if Knueppel does not end up being the best player out of his draft class, he can certainly carve a starring role on just about any squad, particularly on contenders.
People on social media have brought up Klay Thompson as a comparison for the 20-year-old swingman. There is some validity to that viewpoint, although it is somewhat inaccurate at the same time.
While their capability of catching fire from anywhere on the court and impacting the offense with or without the ball, the other facets of their game couldn't be more different. Thompson is the much better on-ball defender, while Knueppel has shown the potential to be a superior rebounder and passer.
The notable similarity, though, is that Knueppel can also be the third or fourth star in a contending squad, while also possessing the capacity to be something more. Thompson is proof that it's perfectly fine to take a backseat to the likes of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green, as he has multiple championships, All-Star appearances, and All-NBA nods to his name.
Hopefully, Knueppel can demonstrate that he is on a comparable trajectory, having already established himself as a keeper for the Hornets.