Hornets' Kon Knueppel takes crucial step toward season debut

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hornets' Kon Knueppel takes crucial step toward season debut

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 29, 2026 4:59 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets secured a star in the 2025 NBA Draft when they selected sharpshooter Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 overall pick.

Knueppel lit the world on fire as a rookie, as he led the NBA in three-pointers made (273) and set both the franchise and rookie record in that category.

This season, though, Knueppel has yet to see the floor due to a hamstring injury suffered in training camp. Charlotte needs his offense back in the lineup, and it got a good update Thursday on Knueppel's progress toward his season debut.

Kon Knueppel practiced with the Hornets G League affiliate

According to a team announcement on Thursday, Knueppel was assigned to Charlotte's G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm for practice.

Knueppel is practicing with the G League affiliate due to the Hornets currently being away from home and getting ready to wrap up a brief road trip Friday against the Washington Wizards.

When the team returns, Knueppel will likely join them for each practice until he is ready to return.

OFFICIAL: @hornets have assigned forward Kon Knueppel to the @greensboroswarm for today’s practice.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) October 29, 2026

Kon Knueppel will be a major boost to Charlotte's offense

Charlotte's offensive identity this season is certainly geared toward attempting and making just as many three-pointers as any team in the league.

Through five games, Charlotte ranks second in average three-pointers attempted (43.2) but is 25th in three-point percentage (30.6%).

It will be hard to increase the volume of three-pointers attempted, but Knueppel's return and skillset should certainly help increase the number of threes made for the Charlotte offense.

Kon sinks his 5th three from deep

Knueppel (252 3PM) is the only player age 22 or younger in NBA history to record 250 3PM in a season! pic.twitter.com/kYH4BJXmK8
— NBA (@NBA) March 27, 2026

If all goes according to plan with Thursday's practice, it feels like Knueppel is ultimately close to a return to the court and his season debut.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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