Hornets' Kon Knueppel Ranks Rookie Season Accomplishments

The 20-year-old NBA rookie sensation reflects on his record-breaking and franchise-changing first year in the league.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:52am

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Charlotte Hornets wing Kon Knueppel, a leading Rookie of the Year candidate, was asked to blindly rank his top accomplishments from the 2025-26 season. The former Duke star highlighted setting the rookie record for 3-pointers made, helping the Hornets achieve their longest winning streak in over a century, competing in the 3-Point Contest, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 and 200 made 3-pointers, being drafted 4th overall, leading the league in 3-pointers, and winning four straight Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards.

Why it matters

Knueppel's record-breaking shooting and the Hornets' dramatic turnaround this season have transformed the once-irrelevant franchise. The 20-year-old's impact has revived Charlotte's fanbase and put the team in playoff contention after years of futility, making him a leading Rookie of the Year candidate.

The details

Knueppel is averaging 19.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 48.7% from the field and 43.6% from 3-point range, which ranks 8th in the NBA. The Hornets have gone from scoring a league-worst 105.1 points per game last season to 116.4 this year, which ranks in the top half of the league. Charlotte's 3-point shooting has also dramatically improved from 33.9% (28th in the NBA) to 38.2% (3rd).

  • Knueppel set the rookie record for 3-pointers made before the Hornets' game against the New York Knicks on March 26, 2026.
  • The Hornets are going for their third 5-game winning streak of the 2026 season in the matchup against the Knicks.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A 20-year-old wing player for the Charlotte Hornets who is a leading Rookie of the Year candidate after a record-breaking and franchise-transforming first season in the NBA.

Cooper Flagg

Knueppel's college roommate, who is also a top rookie prospect and potential competitor for Rookie of the Year honors.

Charlotte Hornets

An NBA franchise that has been one of the most irrelevant in major American sports in recent years, but has been revived by Knueppel's impact this season.

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, who has overseen the team's dramatic turnaround this season.

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What they’re saying

“Kon BLIND RANKING his rookie season... How did he do?”

— NBA

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's record-breaking shooting and the Hornets' dramatic turnaround this season have transformed the once-irrelevant franchise, reviving Charlotte's fanbase and putting the team in playoff contention after years of futility. Knueppel's impact has made him a leading Rookie of the Year candidate, and his success could signal a bright future for the Hornets organization.