The Charlotte Hornets don’t really have a lot to hang their hat on recently. They have been rebuilding for a few seasons now, but it feels like for the first time in a while they have a light at the end of the tunnel.
The Hornets selected Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick this past draft. Charlotte desperately needed another versatile guard to play next to LaMelo Ball, and Knueppel played both on and off the ball at Duke.
Because of his versatility, Knueppel is the perfect fit for today’s NBA. However, his best skill is what will allow him to have a long NBA career.
Knueppel has mastered the art of sharpshooting
Knueppel’s shooting was on full display during his lone year at Duke. He shot 41 percent on five attempts. This is a skill that Charlotte was lacking in their backcourt, as Ball was their only true perimeter guard threat. Knueppel has changed the Hornets’ offense because of the fact that his floor spacing has translated in an elite way.
Knueppel is averaging nearly 19 points per game and shooting 48 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range. His full offensive bag has been on display. He already has nine games of 20 or more points, 13 games of at least three three-pointers made, and only four games of shooting lower than 30 percent from beyond the arc.
Knueppel’s presence has greatly improved Charlotte’s team shooting as well. After ranking 28th in three-point percentage last year, they now rank 21st. They were 18th in makes last season, and now they are eighth. The floor spacing has improved the Hornets’ overall offense, as they have gone from 28th in offensive rating last year to 18th this season.
Knueppel has proven he is the key to the Hornets’ rebuild
Charlotte has grown accustomed to the bottom of the East. They have not made the playoffs in a decade, have only won more than 40 games twice in the last decade, and have won 40 combined games in the last two seasons.
While the Hornets likely won’t make the playoffs this season, their future looks brighter because of the addition of Knueppel. His shooting has already changed their offense significantly, and his overall offensive ability is only going to continue to grow.
Knueppel was part of a stacked draft class, but if he keeps this up, he will make his case as one of the more impactful players from his draft year.