As expected, Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel was officially named a finalist for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. While the league typically saves the announcement of the winner further into the playoffs, Carolina Panthers wide receiver and reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan offered high praise for the Hornets’ young star.
The Panthers and Hornets share an unexpected parallel this year: both teams shattered expectations. Charlotte jumped from 19 wins to a Play-In berth, while Carolina won its division and reached the playoffs. And now, both franchises may finish the year with a Rookie of the Year winner, as McMillan already secured his trophy.
Tetairoa McMillan praises Kon Knueppel during his live presser
During the Panthers’ live press conference on April 21, McMillan didn’t hesitate to show love to Knueppel. When asked about the Hornets rookie, he delivered high praise:
"I haven't met him before, but man, he sure is ballin'. I feel like his rookie season topped mine in a way... he's been doing a lot better than I have. Shoutout to him."
Coming from a player who dominated his own league and secured 82% of first‑place votes for OROY, that’s a remarkably humble statement. McMillan put up 70 receptions, 1,014 yards, and seven touchdowns as a rookie. In the NFL, that’s an elite accomplishment as a first-year player.
But here’s the thing: McMillan isn’t wrong. From an impact and historical standpoint, Knueppel’s season was even more extraordinary.
Knueppel didn’t just shoot the leather off the ball, he rewrote the record books. He led the entire NBA in three‑pointers made, widely viewed as the most valuable shot in modern basketball. He shattered the rookie record for threes, broke Kemba Walker’s franchise single‑season mark, and finished top five in true shooting percentage among rookies in league history.
The Panthers wideout is acknowledging what Hornets fans already know: Knueppel’s debut season was historic.
Kon Knueppel still has a very strong case for Rookie of the Year, despite the Play-In slump
While both players shattered franchise records, Knueppel broke league records. And on that basis, it’s hard to disagree with McMillan’s assessment. Knueppel’s rookie season wasn’t just impressive; it was historically significant, which is exactly why his case for NBA Rookie of the Year remains so strong.
This year’s ROY finalists are Knueppel, Cooper Flagg, and VJ Edgecombe, though the race has long been viewed as a two‑man duel between Knueppel and Flagg. But an unusual event has complicated things. Due to appeals filed by Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham, the league delayed the distribution of award ballots—pushing voting into the Play‑In Tournament window. That timing shift has quietly influenced voters who normally would have cast their ballots before any postseason action.
And unfortunately for Knueppel, the Play‑In wasn’t kind to him. Under the brightest lights of his young career, he struggled, shooting just 23% from the field (5‑of‑22) and 8% (1‑of‑12) from deep across two games against Miami and Orlando. He was even benched late against the Heat, a moment Flagg supporters quickly jumped on to bolster the Mavericks rookie’s case.
In a normal year, none of this would matter. The Rookie of the Year award is a regular‑season honor, and postseason performance is irrelevant. But this year isn’t normal. Millions watched those Play‑In games, and the timing of the ballots meant those struggles lingered in voters’ minds who were on the fence.
It’s a tough break for Knueppel, a series of unfortunate circumstances stacking up at the worst possible time. And while his full‑season resume is arguably stronger, it wouldn’t be shocking if Flagg ends up benefiting from the bizarre events.
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