Kon Knueppel's Rookie NBA Season Sparks Collectibles Frenzy

Former Wisconsin Lutheran star's cards and memorabilia fetch record prices as he rewrites league records

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:07am

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In his rookie NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets, former Wisconsin Lutheran standout Kon Knueppel has taken the league by storm, setting multiple 3-point shooting records and becoming a rising star. The success on the court has also sparked a frenzy in the sports collectibles market, with Knueppel's rare trading cards and game-worn memorabilia selling for staggering prices, including a $396,500 sale of a 1-of-1 Topps Superfractor card.

Why it matters

Knueppel's meteoric rise has captivated basketball fans and collectors alike, shining a spotlight on the lucrative world of NBA rookie cards and memorabilia. As one of the league's most promising young talents, Knueppel's collectibles are expected to continue appreciating in value, making him a must-have for serious collectors.

The details

In just his rookie season, Knueppel has set several NBA records, including the most 3-pointers made by a first-year player and the fastest to reach career milestones of 100, 200, and 250 3-pointers. His standout performances, including a recent 26-point, 11-rebound, 8-assist game against the Knicks, have fueled the demand for his collectibles.

  • Knueppel was selected 4th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after one season at Duke.
  • Earlier this month, one of Knueppel's 1-of-1 Topps Superfractor rookie cards sold for $396,500 at auction.
  • Another of Knueppel's 1-of-1 Topps rookie cards fetched $57,600 at auction.
  • Knueppel's rookie debut game-worn jersey recently sold for $243,200 at Sotheby's.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie sensation with the Charlotte Hornets who has set multiple NBA 3-point shooting records in his first season.

Chari Nordgaard-Knueppel

Kon's proud mother, the all-time leading scorer in University of Wisconsin-Green Bay women's basketball history.

Tony Giese

A Heritage consignment director who attended UWGB during some of the seasons when Nordgaard-Knueppel was playing.

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What they’re saying

“He is going to be kind of their franchise guy. He also has that angle with Duke. I think that is going to help him a little bit, too, because Duke has such a following.”

— Tony Giese, Heritage consignment director

“My nephew said, 'Kon's card just bought somebody a house.' I'm like, I don't even get it. ... You get a 1-of-1 in a pack? A 1-of-1 can be in a pack at Target?”

— Chari Nordgaard-Knueppel, Kon's mother

What’s next

The Hornets have clinched at least a spot in the NBA play-in tournament, which begins on April 14. Kon Knueppel's performance and the continued demand for his collectibles will be closely watched as the team makes a postseason push.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's meteoric rise in the NBA has not only captivated basketball fans but also sparked a frenzy in the sports collectibles market. As one of the league's most promising young talents, Knueppel's cards and memorabilia have skyrocketed in value, underscoring the lucrative potential of investing in elite rookie prospects.