Giannis Praises Hornets Rookie Kon Knueppel's IQ at NBA All-Star

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo lauds Charlotte's rising star for his basketball smarts.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 12:15pm

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During NBA All-Star Weekend, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo took the time to compliment Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, calling him "one of the smartest rookies" he's ever seen. Antetokounmpo was impressed by Knueppel's understanding of his game and ability to analyze how to defend the Greek Freak's signature moves.

Why it matters

Giannis' high praise for Knueppel, a Milwaukee native, is a testament to the young player's basketball IQ and potential. As Knueppel and Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg battle for Rookie of the Year, Giannis' endorsement could give Knueppel an edge, especially if the Hornets make the playoffs over the Mavericks.

The details

During a conversation at NBA All-Star Weekend, Giannis told Knueppel that he was impressed by the rookie's ability to understand and articulate how to defend Giannis' signature spin move, something the Bucks star has been perfecting for 13 years. Giannis said Knueppel is "probably one of the smartest rookies" he's ever seen and that the young player "already got it" in terms of basketball IQ.

  • The conversation between Giannis and Knueppel took place during NBA All-Star Weekend in 2026.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The superstar forward for the Milwaukee Bucks and one of the best players in the NBA.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie forward for the Charlotte Hornets who is currently in the running for Rookie of the Year, hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“I was watching this interview, and you were talking about what makes Giannis hard to guard. And then you said, 'He does the spin real quick.' I've been doing it for 13 years, and it took a rookie to come in and understand what I've been doing.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo

“You're probably one of the smartest rookies I've ever seen. The way you play the game. You're probably one of the most attentive players I've seen as a rookie. … You already got it. You're only going to get better. You haven't even figured out your spots yet.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo

What’s next

As the Rookie of the Year race continues to heat up between Knueppel and Flagg, Giannis' high praise for the Hornets rookie could give him an edge, especially if Charlotte makes the playoffs over Dallas.

The takeaway

Giannis Antetokounmpo's glowing endorsement of Kon Knueppel's basketball IQ and potential is a testament to the young Milwaukee native's impressive start to his NBA career. This recognition from one of the league's superstars could propel Knueppel to win Rookie of the Year and cement his status as a rising star.