Hornets Announce Kon Knueppel News on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 5:34 PM ET

Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel was unable to finish the Charlotte Hornets’ 120-105 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday. The 6-foot-6 small forward was forced to exit the game in the second quarter due to an ankle injury and was unable to return. It was later reported that Knueppel had sustained a right ankle sprain, potentially leading to some time on the shelf for the highly touted rookie.

Knueppel has played all 31 games for the Hornets thus far, averaging 19.3 points on 47.8% shooting, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 33.1 minutes per contest. The former Duke Blue Devils star is also connecting on 3.6 triples per game on a highly efficient 42.8% clip.

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) during an NBA game.Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

When Hornets head coach Charles Lee revealed on Sunday that Knueppel had sprained his right ankle, it was also revealed that the 20-year-old will be considered day-to-day moving forward. Unfortunately for Knueppel, he is now set to miss the first game of his NBA career when the Hornets face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

Charlotte announced via the injury report that Knueppel is officially ruled out against the Bucks on Monday. Lee’s update indicates that Knueppel’s injury is not overly serious, and it appears that he may have had a chance to suit up against Milwaukee. However, the rookie is now going to miss at least one game because of the ankle issue.

Knueppel’s next chance to play will be on Wednesday against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. That will be an excellent opportunity for the Hornets forward to test his shooting ability against Curry, who is widely considered the greatest three-point shooter of all time.

The Hornets are currently 11-20 and, as of writing, 11th in the Eastern Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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