They Drafted A Role Player But He Became A Franchise Star
Kon Knueppel was never supposed to be the face of the 2025 NBA Draft class. That spotlight belonged to Cooper Flagg, the most hyped American prospect in years, while other elite prospects like VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper filled out one of the deepest draft classes in recent memory. But just months into the NBA season, all of that pre-draft hype has been overshadowed by Flagg’s own Duke teammate, a player many scouts claimed had the lowest ceiling of any top-five pick in years. That player is Kon Knueppel, and he has gone from overlooked high school prospect to ACC Tournament MVP, Summer League champion and MVP, and now the leading favourite for NBA Rookie of the Year. This video breaks down how a 6’7 wing from Milwaukee with “below average athleticism” and a simple, fundamentals-first game is dominating the modern NBA, putting up historic rookie numbers, breaking records and drawing early comparisons to Klay Thompson. From his deep basketball bloodline and dominant high school career, to being doubted by scouts, overlooked by recruiting services, and questioned on draft night when the Charlotte Hornets took a massive gamble, Kon Knueppel’s journey has been a masterclass in basketball IQ, elite shooting, off-ball movement and efficiency. We explore his rise at Duke alongside Cooper Flagg, how he stepped up when Flagg went down, his legendary ACC Tournament run, his March Madness performances that changed his draft stock, and why his game translated instantly to the NBA despite all the doubts. We also dive into his historic Summer League run, his clutch moments, his rapid rise as one of the most efficient rookies in the league, his pace to shatter the NBA rookie three-point record, and why his impact goes far beyond the box score. This is the story of how Kon Knueppel is proving that in an era obsessed with athletic freaks and highlight-reel stars, elite fundamentals, basketball intelligence and perfect shot-making can still dominate at the highest level, and how he may be the player to finally change the losing culture of the Charlotte Hornets while redefining what an NBA star can look like in 2025.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY 2ND CHANNEL (SOCCER/FOOTBALL)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_qKMHj0ge-rqYqb0HYgN9g
FOLLOW MY TWITTER
Tweets by DKM_Sports
FOLLOW ME OVER ON TWITCH FOR LIVESTREAMS!
https://www.twitch.tv/dkm_yt
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE DISCORD COMMUNITY SERVER
https://discord.com/invite/Zp5YvZa
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS*
#konknueppel #charlottehornets #dukebasketball #cooperflagg
Gullible
22 Comments
Kon is the next gordon hayward
Kon can score, but Coop is top 5 in every category…
Dylan Harper is better than both. He's just stuck on a cracked team
Luka
People always say players these days are so skilled and everyone always just looks at the skill. They do not look at the fire in the player's belly. Back in the 80s and 90s the so called plumbers had way more fire in their bellies. They didn't get injured and had stronger will to win. Kids these days have a ton of skill but no fire and ambition. Just wanted to get handed the contract without the want to win. Kon may not look amazing but this kid has fire.
Favorite to win rookie of the year? If someone would’ve told you the best blue devil would’ve been Flagg’s running mate you wouldn’t believe it? Yeah because that shit ain’t true lol Cooper will win ROTY FS!!!! And is doing it on a Vet team built to win…. Bro is doing what he’s doing on a trash ass Hornets squad that allots him the luxury of shooting when he wants and as much playtime regardless of success or failure
a good review before posting might be a good idea. In the Elite 8, they played Alabama (not Arizona, which they played in the Sweet 16) and the national semifinal they played Houston (not Texas Tech).
He's a fine player, deserved the high draft pick, but he is not better than Flagg.
Air VJ!! Case closed!! I've seen Jordan play in the 80s and 90s and he plays just like MJ on offense and defense.. VJ be gliding in the air!
Calling Kon a role player in any extent is a massive joke. I’ve been saying since the 7th game he played at Duke he is a Klay Thompson type player
Lamelo having a good time giving it to him😂🎉
That box floater falling back looks like Bird … 😮💨🧈
I was a KK fan from the 2nd game at Duke, and so glad he stayed in NC for his pro debut.
“Genghis” Kon knuepple the conqueror.
I even forgot he's a rookie… kid is smooth.
Charlotte needed someone like this. Melo been terrible for the franchise.
he knows his value.
how to say… his best quality… composure
Great video over-all even a dim-witted like me got the story clearly. I'm a Spur-Wembanyama fan now i'll follow Hornets coz Con is there.😮
How is he on defense? That's the question.
Why does the narrator have a Scottish accent?
How about them whites in the NBA? Let's make America great again.