Charlotte Hornets' Rookie Kon Knueppel Expected Breakout 2025-26 Season

The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up with several key storylines across multiple teams. Rookie Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets is emerging as a potential breakout star, bringing much-needed shooting and reliability to a team that struggled with injuries last season. The Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning champions, aim to sustain their success with a young core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, while guard Cason Wallace is expected to elevate his performance. The Los Angeles Lakers are focusing on a youth movement centered around Luka Doncic, with Deandre Ayton seen as a crucial piece to their title hopes, especially in defense and chemistry. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers face an offseason overshadowed by an NBA investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention through a company called Aspiration, despite making significant roster improvements including adding Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, and John Collins, who is expected to contribute as a strong offensive rebounder and post scorer. The Clippers' season will be a test not only on the court but also in navigating the implications of the ongoing controversy.