Star Duke Blue Devils Guard Reveals 1 Surprising Reason for Starting Basketball 2 Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) brings the ball up court against the Louisville Cardinals during the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

'He Fits Our Culture That We Continue To Build Here': Kon Knueppel Gets Honest Thoughts From Hornets HC Charles Lee After Drafting Him 4th Oveerall

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 10:55 AM ET

Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee was hyped when the team selected Kon Knueppel with the fourth overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Speaking at the team’s draft party last night, the Charlotte Hornets head coach explained why he’s excited to coach the former Duke Blue Devils star.

“He’s an amazing human being,” Lee said via SI’s Ashley Stroehlein. “He fits our culture that we continue to build here. A lot of times on our team, we talk about consistent competitors, we talk about being obsessed with daily improvement, and that’s what Kon’s about.”

Nov 4, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) drives the ball down the court past Maine Black Bears guard Kellen Tynes (1) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

“He just carries himself so well. I’m looking forward to having him compete with our team, looking forward to seeing him shoot. I think he brings instant spacing to our team. He’s one of the best shooters in the draft, one of the highest basketball IQ guys, and one of the best competieors too. We’re really looking forward for a lot of reasons,” he added.

Charlotte Hornets News: Brandon Miller shares immediate advice to Kon Knueppel

Brandon Miller is also amped about the Charlotte Hornets’ selection of Kon Knueppel, and the former second overall pick can’t wait to get to work with his new teammate.

Oct 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) shoots the ball while being defended by New York Knicks center Jericho Sims (20) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

“Be ready tomorrow. You’ve got an early flight to come in and meet everybody. Just coming in as a young player, your mind can be racing, going 100 miles per hour, so just stay calm and be yourself and use your resources,” Miller said to Knueppel.

The Charlotte Hornets also had the 29th overall pick via a trade with the Phoenix Suns, and they used the pick to select Liam McNeeley from UConn. The team also has the 33rd and 34th overall picks in the second round.