Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) drives to the basket against Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) during the second half during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Kon Knueppel addresses the one part of his game critics keep pointing to

Originally posted on Charlotte Hornets on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 8:19 AM ET

The Charlotte Hornets decided to draft Kon Knueppel with the fourth overall pick in the draft on Wednesday night. They did so because they believe he's one of the best overall players in the draft.

Knueppel is known for being one of the best shooters in the draft, which he certainly is. However, he's more than just a great catch-and-shoot guy. He can shoot off the dribble, too.

There is a notion out there that Knueppel is not a good defender. That's a notion that Knueppel disputes, and he believes that he is a good defender and has plenty of athleticism.

"It's nothing I haven't heard before," he said during a radio interview on WFNZ. "I'm gonna keep working hard and trying to get better overall in my game. That's worked out for me so far, and I have full confidence that it'll keep working out for me going forward."

️ Kon Knueppel on comments about his defense/quickness:

"It's nothing I haven't heard before. I'm gonna keep working hard and trying to get better overall in my game. That's worked out for me so far and I have full confidence that it'll keep working out for me going forward." pic.twitter.com/tXXfBdiqgc
— r/CharlotteHornets on Reddit (@HornetsReddit) June 26, 2025

If anyone watched his tape, Knueppel showed that he works hard on defense, which is half the battle. There are a lot of guys in the league who don't take defense as seriously as they need to.

Knueppel is expected to start next to LaMelo Ball and be a great addition to the team. Teams might try to pick on him defensively to start out, but they might learn that is not going to be the best course of action.

Of all of the draft prospects who got selected, it's hard to find someone who works harder than he does.