Hornets' Kon Knueppel inspired by Larry Bird's 'makes me sick' quote

Rookie sharpshooter Kon Knueppel is making a name for himself with his hustle and determination, drawing inspiration from Celtics legend Larry Bird.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has been a revelation this season, emerging as a key contributor to the team's surprising playoff push. Knueppel has drawn inspiration from a famous quote by Celtics legend Larry Bird about players not diving for loose balls, using it to fuel his own relentless effort and hustle on the court.

Why it matters

Knueppel's play has been a major factor in the Hornets' turnaround this season, as the team has gone from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to contending for a playoff spot. His dedication to making winning plays through sheer effort and determination has drawn comparisons to Bird, one of the NBA's all-time greats.

The details

Knueppel is currently averaging 18.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.1% from 3-point range, putting him in elite company alongside Bird and Paul Pierce as the only players to average at least 15 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting over 40% from deep as a rookie. Knueppel has also closed in on Keegan Murray's rookie record for 3-pointers made in a season.

  • The 2025-26 NBA season began with Cooper Flagg as the presumed Rookie of the Year frontrunner.
  • With less than two months left in the regular season, Knueppel has emerged as a serious contender for the award as well.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie sharpshooter for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as a key contributor to the team's surprising playoff push this season.

Larry Bird

A legendary Boston Celtics player and coach, known for his intense competitiveness and relentless effort on the court.

Paul Pierce

Another Boston Celtics great who, like Bird, averaged at least 15 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting over 40% from 3-point range as a rookie.

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What they’re saying

“A guy watching a ball go out of bounds without diving for it makes me sick.”

— Larry Bird

“If you're going to compete, you might as well give it all you have and put your body on the line a little bit.”

— Kon Knueppel, Hornets Rookie

What’s next

Knueppel will look to continue his strong rookie campaign and help the Hornets secure a playoff berth, while also potentially breaking Keegan Murray's rookie record for 3-pointers made in a season.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's relentless hustle and determination, inspired by Larry Bird's famous quote, have made him a key part of the Hornets' surprising turnaround this season. His play has drawn comparisons to all-time greats like Bird and Pierce, and he is on the verge of making his own mark in the NBA record books.