By: NBA Buzz Date: February 14, 2026
The Charlotte Hornets officially hit the jackpot in the 2025 NBA Draft, and the rest of the league is finally waking up to it.
When the Hornets selected Kon Knueppel with the fourth overall pick out of Duke University, they hoped for a solid building block. What they got instead is a generational marksman who is completely transforming the franchise’s trajectory—and he isn’t shy about letting everyone know it.
The Ultimate Confidence 🥶
As the NBA world gathers in Los Angeles for All-Star Weekend, Knueppel has found himself squarely in the spotlight. While answering questions ahead of the Rising Stars game, the rookie sharpshooter delivered a quote that is already sending shockwaves through the league.
When asked about his upcoming participation in the highly anticipated Three-Point Contest, Knueppel didn’t mince words.
“I take pride in my shot; it’s something I put a lot of time into,” Knueppel stated. “I think I’m one of the best in the world.”
For a 19-year-old rookie to claim he is one of the best shooters on the planet takes a massive amount of audacity. But the terrifying part for the rest of the NBA? He might be absolutely right.
Backing Up the Talk 📈
Knueppel isn’t just delivering empty soundbites; his play on the court has been nothing short of spectacular. While the Hornets struggled early in the season, Knueppel’s consistency kept them afloat. Now, under the guidance of head coach Charles Lee, Charlotte has become one of the most dangerous teams of 2026.
Knueppel recently helped fuel a massive nine-game winning streak for the Hornets, establishing himself as a lethal connective piece alongside franchise cornerstones LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. His ability to stretch the floor has opened up Charlotte’s offense entirely.
The Rookie of the Year Race Just Got Complicated 🏆
For months, the Rookie of the Year narrative has been dominated by Knueppel’s former Duke teammate, Cooper Flagg. But while Flagg is currently sidelined with a midfoot sprain, Knueppel is making a massive push for the hardware.
The debate is becoming a classic clash of styles: Flagg’s elite, game-changing defense versus Knueppel’s historically great three-point shooting. With every deep three Knueppel sinks, the gap between the two rookies gets narrower.
All Eyes on Saturday Night 🎯
Now, Knueppel has the chance to cement his status on a global stage. He enters Saturday night’s Three-Point Contest not just as a participant, but as a legitimate threat to take home the trophy. Even Hall of Fame shooter Reggie Miller has gone on record calling Knueppel one of the favorites to win the event.
If he can back up his bold claim and shoot the lights out in Los Angeles, the Rookie of the Year race might just flip completely in his favor.
