Kon Knueppel Sets Hornets 3-Point Record, Strengthening ROY Case

Rookie guard's historic shooting night powers Charlotte's playoff push

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:49am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors capturing the explosive energy and raw athleticism of a basketball player in motion, with their face and jersey dissolving into unrecognizable splashes of color.Kon Knueppel's record-breaking three-point shooting has fueled the Charlotte Hornets' late-season surge, showcasing the rookie's dynamic scoring ability.Charlotte Today

Kon Knueppel, the 20-year-old Charlotte Hornets rookie, set the franchise's single-season three-point record with 261 made threes in a 127-107 win over the Phoenix Suns. Knueppel's record-breaking performance further bolsters his case for NBA Rookie of the Year as the Hornets surge into playoff contention.

Why it matters

Knueppel's historic shooting season has been a key factor in the Hornets' turnaround after a slow start, elevating the team into play-in tournament position. His efficiency, availability, and winning impact have made him the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year in a tight race with Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg.

The details

Knueppel knocked down four three-pointers against the Suns, breaking Kemba Walker's previous Hornets record of 260 made threes in a season. The record-breaking shot came late in the fourth quarter, capping a night that saw Knueppel continue his standout rookie campaign. He now averages 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting over 48% from the field and 43% from three-point range.

  • Knueppel broke the Hornets' single-season three-point record on April 3, 2026.
  • Kemba Walker previously held the Hornets' three-point record with 260 made threes in the 2018-19 season.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A 20-year-old rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as a leading candidate for NBA Rookie of the Year.

Kemba Walker

A former Hornets guard who held the franchise's single-season three-point record with 260 made threes in the 2018-19 season.

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who is Knueppel's main competition for NBA Rookie of the Year.

Grant Williams

A veteran forward for the Charlotte Hornets who assisted on Knueppel's record-breaking three-pointer.

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What they’re saying

“I think maybe I've surpassed my expectations for myself a little bit.”

— Kon Knueppel

“I'm extremely happy for him. Well-deserved honor. The team didn't like that I said 'Kemba who?' after... Love Kemba, love the standard and the bar he set. It was really cool, obviously, to see Kon throughout the year, continuing to just get better and better.”

— Charles Lee, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

The Hornets will continue their push for the playoffs, with Knueppel's performance likely to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the Rookie of the Year race between him and Cooper Flagg.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's historic shooting season has been a driving force behind the Charlotte Hornets' turnaround and playoff push, cementing his status as the frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year. His efficiency, availability, and winning impact have set him apart in a tight race with Dallas' Cooper Flagg.