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Spurs Weigh Options After Knueppel's Breakout Performance
Kon Knueppel's 34-point game against the Mavericks has the Spurs considering their options ahead of the trade deadline.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:55am
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The 2025 NBA Draft class has proven to be one of the best in league history, and the Spurs are left wondering if they should have selected Kon Knueppel instead of Dylan Harper with the second overall pick. Knueppel's recent 34-point performance against the Mavericks, including 8 made 3-pointers, has the Spurs evaluating their roster and considering how to add more elite shooting talent ahead of the trade deadline.
Why it matters
The Spurs' offense has lacked a consistent, elite 3-point shooting threat, and Knueppel's performance highlights the potential impact such a player could have. Adding a deadly shooter could transform the Spurs' offense and make them a more formidable team in the Western Conference.
The details
Knueppel, who was drafted after Harper, has emerged as a top-50 player in the league with his efficient scoring, 3-point shooting, and all-around game. The Spurs are now wondering how Knueppel's skill set would have fit their needs better than Harper's, at least in the short term. While Harper may have a higher long-term ceiling, Knueppel's immediate impact could have been a game-changer for the Spurs' offense.
- Knueppel scored 34 points, including 8 made 3-pointers, in a win over the Mavericks on January 30, 2026.
- The 2025 NBA Draft, which featured Knueppel and Harper, took place in June 2025.
The players
Kon Knueppel
A second-year player who was drafted after Dylan Harper in the 2025 NBA Draft, Knueppel has emerged as a top-50 player in the league with his elite 3-point shooting and well-rounded offensive game.
Dylan Harper
The second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper is a highly touted young talent who the Spurs selected over Knueppel.
Brian Wright
The Spurs' general manager, who is tasked with evaluating the team's roster and making moves to improve the team ahead of the trade deadline.
What’s next
The Spurs will likely explore trade options ahead of the deadline to add more elite shooting talent to their roster, with the goal of transforming their offense and becoming a more formidable team in the Western Conference.
The takeaway
The Spurs' decision to select Dylan Harper over Kon Knueppel in the 2025 NBA Draft is now being scrutinized, as Knueppel's breakout performance highlights the potential impact an elite 3-point shooter could have on the team's offense. The Spurs must now weigh their options and determine how to best address this need ahead of the trade deadline.
