Charlotte Hornets reportedly used AI program to help draft Kon Knueppel

Hornets partnered with AI firm ahead of 2025 draft

According to a Hornets executive, the organization worked with Invisible Technologies in the lead-up to the draft.

The company provided detailed scouting insights through a computer vision platform designed to evaluate player performance.

Charlotte’s VP of Basketball Insights and Analysis, Patrick Harrell, said the collaboration helped shape the team’s draft strategy.

“Within weeks, Invisible provided us with an AI draft strategy that gifted us Kon Knueppel, the #4 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2025 NBA draft,” Harrell said.

Knueppel’s rookie campaign backs up analytics

Although Knueppel was widely projected as a high lottery selection, his early NBA production has supported both traditional scouting and the Hornets’ AI-backed evaluation. The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the top rookies in the league.

He is averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting 48.7% from the field, 43.5% from three-point range and 89.1% from the free-throw line.

Knueppel was also named MVP of the NBA Summer League Championship game after scoring 21 points to help Charlotte defeat the Sacramento Kings and secure the franchise’s first Summer League title.

Whether or not he ultimately claims Rookie of the Year honors, the Hornets’ use of artificial intelligence in the draft process appears to have delivered immediate on-court results.