Minimal flash, all fundamentals: Kon Knueppel's defensive acumen deserves respect

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope got a step on Knueppel in transition and Kon was at the mercy of the ball handler. KCP took two hard dribbles, blew by Kon, and finished through the contact for the bucket.

This is where Knueppel will always be deficient on defense. Unlike some of his contemporaries on the wing, he has no 'break glass in case of emergency' tool (a la Amen Thompson's nuclear athleticism or Jalen Williams' +9.75 inch wingspan) that allows him to recover from a lack of positioning.

If recoverability and event creation are important to an evaluator, Knueppel will never earn a passing grade.

However, in a true one-on-one setting, Knueppel can more than hold his own.

Later in the same game against Memphis, Knueppel squared up with fellow rookie Javon Small in transition.

Kon showed picture perfect footwork, a strong base, and impeccable timing with his hands to force the jump ball. In these situations, he's a legitimately impactful wing defender against legitimate competition.

Watch above as Knueppel forces All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson, who was on an absolute heater against Charlotte, to pass the ball.

Kon mirrored every step the tricky point guard made, never over-committing amidst a flurry of crossovers and step backs. Knueppel has borderline elite footwork when defending on the perimeter, and his basketball IQ can be weaponized in concert with that footwork to wall off ball handlers who may have physical advantages over the 20-year-old rookie.

Brandon Miller will guard the opposition's number one option most nights, but Charlotte can feel comfortable with Knueppel checking stars on the other side of the floor in cross-match scenarios. It won't show up on the stat sheet, but those who watch closely will see Knueppel's possession-to-possession, solid defensive play.

Will Knueppel ever be a shut down wing defender who makes an All-Defense team? No. But, can he defend at a high enough level to not get played off the floor come playoff time? Absolutely.

Knueppel's steady hand on offense has led every conversation about his potential impact in the NBA, but it's about time to put some respect on his defensive acumen too.