Hornets' Knueppel Shines, Gets Klay Thompson Praise

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has garnered attention both for his Summer League play and his public admiration of veteran Klay Thompson. Thompson sent Knueppel a video message encouraging him to stay confident after learning Knueppel hoped to model his game after him, which Knueppel described as 'incredible.' On the court, Knueppel has delivered a 19-point, 6-assist outing against the Spurs and a double-double versus Dallas, showcasing his NBA readiness. His early performances drew some criticism, and he missed a game due to injury, but analysts caution that initial reviews may not reflect his long-term potential. Despite mixed early reviews, Knueppel continues to show promise as he adapts to the professional game. The Hornets expect him to play a significant role moving forward.