Hornets' Kon Knueppel Breaks NBA Rookie 3-Point Record

The 20-year-old phenom has emerged as the Rookie of the Year favorite.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 2:34am

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Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has officially broken the NBA record for most three-pointers made during a player's rookie season, surpassing Keegan Murray's previous mark of 206. Knueppel, who is averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, has been a key part of the Hornets' push to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Why it matters

Knueppel's historic shooting performance and emergence as a potential Rookie of the Year winner has been a bright spot for the Hornets, who are trying to end their playoff drought. His humble, team-first approach has also helped elevate the team's culture, according to head coach Charles Lee.

The details

Knueppel finished Thursday's 133-109 win over the Indiana Pacers with 28 points, four rebounds and two assists, shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 8-of-12 from three-point range. The NBA announced during the game that Knueppel had broken the rookie three-point record, which was previously held by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings.

  • Knueppel broke the rookie three-point record during the Hornets' win over the Pacers on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • Through 58 games this season, Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A 20-year-old rookie forward for the Charlotte Hornets who is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year after breaking the NBA record for most three-pointers made by a rookie in a season.

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, who praised Knueppel's humble, team-first approach and how it has helped elevate the team's culture.

Keegan Murray

The former Sacramento Kings rookie who previously held the NBA record for most three-pointers made by a rookie in a season with 206.

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What they’re saying

“It's what elevates our whole culture when you have a guy that's that good, but that humble, no ego — it becomes contagious throughout your whole organization.”

— Charles Lee, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

Knueppel still has roughly a quarter of the NBA season remaining to continue adding to his record-breaking three-point total.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's historic shooting performance and team-first mentality have been a driving force behind the Hornets' push to end their playoff drought, showcasing the impact a humble, talented rookie can have on an organization.