Hornets' Kon Knueppel emerging as clear Rookie of the Year favorite

Knueppel sets rookie 3-point record as Hornets surge in East

Mar. 5, 2026 at 11:19pm

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Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has emerged as the leading favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year. Knueppel recently set the record for most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a season, and is averaging 19.2 points per game on 43.6% shooting from deep. The Hornets have won six straight games, with Knueppel leading the way as they climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Why it matters

Knueppel's historic rookie campaign and the Hornets' resurgence have made him the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. His success in Charlotte, a team many thought would struggle to develop young talent, has been particularly impressive.

The details

Knueppel has set the NBA rookie record for 3-pointers made in a season with 216, surpassing the previous mark of 206 set by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings last year. He is averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 48.8% from the field and 43.6% from 3-point range. The Hornets have won six straight games, with Knueppel leading the way, and they have climbed up the Eastern Conference standings.

  • Knueppel set the rookie 3-point record in the opening week of March 2026.
  • The Hornets' six-game winning streak is their longest of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as the leading candidate for NBA Rookie of the Year after setting the record for most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a season.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie for the Dallas Mavericks who was previously considered a top contender for Rookie of the Year, but has fallen behind Knueppel due to a left foot sprain that has sidelined him since February 10.

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What they’re saying

“Kon Knueppel, Rookie of the Year, has a lot of legs, and he probably is the favorite. Also, having the most efficient season as a rookie, averaging, I think, he's at 20 points per game now. Absurd, I think he's shooting 50,40,90 in his rookie season.”

— Brett Siegel, Clutch Scoops Analyst

What’s next

The Hornets will look to extend their winning streak and Knueppel will aim to continue his historic rookie campaign as the NBA season enters its final stretch.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's record-breaking rookie season and the Hornets' resurgence have made him the clear frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year. His success in Charlotte, a team many thought would struggle to develop young talent, has been particularly impressive and highlights his potential as a future star in the league.