In between both makes and misses, Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has impressed the organization for ensuring that his value goes beyond his shooting accuracy.

Knueppel, a 6’6” swingman out of Duke University, put up a meager statistical output in Charlotte’s Summer League opener against Utah. His final line: five points, one rebound, and four assists on 1/8 from the field, was ripe for nitpicking.

Amid the 2025 NBA Draft tension, Duke stars Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel continue to draw attention. Flagg is the clear favorite for the No. 1 pick, while Knueppel is projected to go in the top 10.

Cooper Flagg with an 18-7-5 debut and Kon Knueppel added another 22 points. Not a bad start for the freshmen. — Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) November 5, 2024 Cooper Flagg is a hooper no matter ...

Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach are also expected to be first-round picks. What about Kon Knueppel & Khaman Maluach? The top two picks are expected to be Duke's Cooper Flagg and Rutgers' Dylan Harper.

Cooper Flagg's stint in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League is over now that the Dallas Mavericks plan on shutting down the No. 1 overall pick from last month's draft after just two games. Flagg logged nearly 63 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs,