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Grade the pick: Hornets make the 'safe' call by selecting Kon Knueppel

The Hornets draft the best pure shooter in the NBA Draft to team up with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Thomas Gorski|
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kon Knueppel arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kon Knueppel arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets added to their young core Wednesday night, selecting Duke sharpshooter Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

The move comes after days of speculation linking Philadelphia to VJ Edgecombe, who the 76ers ultimately grabbed at No. 3. Once the Baylor guard was off the board, momentum around Knueppel landing in Charlotte started to build over the recent days.

Knueppel, known for his polished perimeter game and high basketball IQ, projects as a natural fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The Hornets continue to prioritize floor spacing and offensive versatility — two areas Knueppel immediately improves.

It may not be the splashiest pick of the night, but it's a calculated one. The Duke product brings a steady skill set that fits Charlotte’s direction under President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson.

Here’s how the Knueppel selection grades out.

Draft Grade: B+

If reports are true that Rutgers star Ace Bailey had no interest in landing in Charlotte, pivoting to Knueppel was a logical plan B. He should contribute from day one, providing floor spacing and reliable perimeter defense.

Still, there’s an argument the Hornets left value on the table. They held the leverage to explore trade-back scenarios — with teams like Utah, Washington, or New Orleans — and potentially still land Knueppel later in the lottery. 

Standing pat at No. 4 limits the overall upside of this selection. The Dalton Knecht comparison makes sense as both guys can shoot it and space the floor but Knueppel brings a little more on the defensive side. 

The Knecht comparison? Sure, it works — both guys can shoot, both stretch defenses. But Knueppel brings more on the defensive end, no question.

Look, he’s not turning the Hornets into a contender overnight. But he’s solid, knows his role, and makes life easier for LaMelo and Miller. That counts for something, even if it’s not the flashiest move.

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Thomas Gorski
THOMAS GORSKI

Tom Gorski is a journalist currently covering the Charlotte Hornets for On SI, with extensive experience in basketball, football, and golf coverage. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Sports Media at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Communication from DePaul University. Tom’s professional experience includes roles with The Sporting News, 247 Sports, The award-winning DePaulia newspaper, and the Region Radio Sports Network. He has covered both college and high school athletics, providing a well-rounded perspective on sports at various levels.

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