Kon Knueppel breaks Hornets 3-point record, boosts Rookie of Year case

Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel continues to make his case for NBA Rookie of the Year.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:10am

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A vibrant, expressionist painting capturing the raw energy and movement of a basketball player shooting a 3-pointer, with the player's face and jersey details dissolved into colorful brushstrokes.Kon Knueppel's record-breaking 3-point shooting performance has ignited the Hornets' playoff push and his Rookie of the Year campaign.Charlotte Today

Kon Knueppel, a rookie forward for the Charlotte Hornets, has set a new franchise record for the most 3-pointers made in a single season with 261. Knueppel's performance, which included 20 points and 4 made 3-pointers in the Hornets' 127-107 win over the Phoenix Suns, has further solidified his case for the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Why it matters

Knueppel's record-breaking performance and consistent play throughout the season have made him a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, which would be a significant achievement for the young player and the Hornets franchise.

The details

Knueppel's 261 3-pointers made this season surpassed the previous Hornets record of 260 set by Kemba Walker during the 2018-19 season. Knueppel's teammate, LaMelo Ball, also reached the top five for the franchise with 243 3-pointers made this season, tying Jason Richardson's record from the 2007-08 season.

  • Kon Knueppel set the Hornets' single-season 3-point record on April 2, 2026.
  • Kemba Walker previously held the Hornets' 3-point record with 260 made in the 2018-19 season.
  • LaMelo Ball tied the Hornets' top 5 single-season 3-point record with 243 made this season.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie forward for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as a frontrunner for the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Kemba Walker

A former Hornets player who held the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a single season with 260 during the 2018-19 season.

LaMelo Ball

A Hornets player who tied the franchise's top 5 single-season 3-point record with 243 made this season.

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, who celebrated Kon Knueppel's record-breaking performance by pouring water on him during the postgame press conference.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie playing for the Dallas Mavericks who has also been in the conversation for the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year award, along with Kon Knueppel.

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What they’re saying

“#Hornets coach Charles Lee waits out Kon Knueppel to enter his postgame session and douses him with water to celebrate him setting the team's single-season 3PT record”

— Charles Lee, Hornets Head Coach

What’s next

Kon Knueppel will continue to play a key role for the Hornets as they push for a playoff spot, and his performance will be closely watched as the Rookie of the Year race heats up.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's record-breaking performance and consistent play throughout the season have made him a frontrunner for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, showcasing the young player's talent and the Hornets' promising future.