PRESZN GAME 1 RECAP: Kon Knueppel BALLS OUT with 18 POINTS | Did He Seal a Starting Spot?
The first preseason game is in the books, and while the Hornets fell to the Thunder’s B-team 135-114, the final score is the least important part of the story. The main headline was the outstanding debut of fourth overall pick Kon Knueppel, who earned a surprise start and led the team with 18 points. We explore why his smart, fundamental game makes him a perfect “pillar filler” and an ideal complement to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, making a strong case for him to be the opening night starter.
While Knueppel impressed and LaMelo provided some signature one-legged threes, there were major areas of concern, most notably on the defensive end. The starting unit posted an abysmal defensive rating of 164.7, getting consistently beaten on back cuts and struggling to offer any resistance. We also give a full rundown of the other key players’ performances, including Tre Mann’s excellent playmaking, Collin Sexton’s knack for getting to the free-throw line, Brandon Miller’s shooting struggles, and the tough debuts for fellow rookies Ryan Kalkbrenner and Tidjane Salaun.
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7 Comments
Not only was kon’s shooting great but he also looked super composed out there
Collin sexton should be the starter. He’s a starter for one and Ted your most effecient player you need two ball handlers and you see that when the season starts. I like Kon but your starting 5 is not good enough to rely on one guy you need sexton to get in the paint to generate good looks
Doug is so over Melo time to embrace the rebuild
I liked how the team looked, the defense wasn’t great but we already knew that might be this team’s reality. I personally loved the glimpses we saw of LaMelo and Brandon’s 2 man game
Center is a problem, but defense is the biggest concern. Despite the better depth, it’s still a weak group on D. Melo still a circus star more than a super valued impact NBA player. They were beaten by the Thunder’s bench, scrubs and g-league participants.
Hate to say this but team offense IS the issue. Speeding up but still lacks off-ball plays and poor execution. Lee has to go I don’t want people defending him again with roster excuse . 😅
These guys have a “don’t talk about Badji” policy? Honestly I had no idea he’d be playing. Is he on a two-way or dumping down to the Swarm later this month?