Kon Knueppel still has teammate’s confidence after ugly play-in showing

Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Kon Knueppel still has teammate’s confidence after ugly play-in showing

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Zachary Draves, ClutchPoints | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 9:17 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets are brimming with confidence and rightfully so. On Tuesday, the Hornets eeked out a huge 127-126 overtime victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In tournament. The catalyst came with Coby White’s game-tying 3-pointer , LaMelo Ball’s game-winning bucket , and Miles Bridges’ game-ending block.

But largely left out of the fun was their rookie sensation, Kon Knueppel. He scored only 6 points while grabbing 5 rebounds.

However, as the Hornets look ahead to facing the Orlando Magic in the Play-In final, the team is rallying behind Knueppel, Nick Carboni of WCNC. His fellow rookie teammate, Sion James, isn’t concerned at all.

“I’ve got no worries about Kon.”

"I've got no worries about Kon."

Caught up with #Hornets rookie Sion James today and asked him about teammate Kon Knueppel's recent struggles despite a sensational rookie year. pic.twitter.com/wwQRYl4LdG

— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) April 16, 2026

Altogether, Knueppel finished the season averaging 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He also shot 47.5% from the field. Plus, Knueppel is in a high-profile battle for Rookie of the Year with former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg.

At the same time, Knueppel put on a history-making season. In late March, Knueppel became the youngest player to notch 250 3-pointers. Also, he surpassed Kemba Walker for the most 3-pointers in a season with 261.

In the regular season finale, Knueppel finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and five assists against the New York Knicks. The Hornets won 110-96.

Meanwhile, the Hornets finished the season at 44-38 and are looking to make the Playoffs for the first time since 2016. That year, led by Kemba Walker, Charlotte finished 48-34.

Ironically, they lost to the Heat in the first round in seven games.

Nevertheless, the Hornets are experiencing a period of burgeoning potential given their young, vibrant roster.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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