# Kon Knueppel's Hornets Future

> Rookie shooter Kon Knueppel aims to evolve from connective playmaker to primary ball handler with Hornets.
- Title: Kon Knueppel's Hornets Future · Charlotte Hornets On SI
- Summary: Rookie shooter Kon Knueppel aims to evolve from connective playmaker to primary ball handler with Hornets. Kon Knueppel must improve rim finishing and ball…
- Keywords: kon knueppel, charlotte hornets, nba, three-point shooting, rookie, ball handling, rim finishing, sports, Kon, Knueppel's, Hornets, Future
- Source: Charlotte Hornets On SI — https://si.com/nba/hornets/onsi/charlotte-hornets-player-preview-kon-knueppel
- Published: 2026-09-16T16:11:30+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: kon knueppel, charlotte hornets, nba, three-point shooting, rookie, ball handling, rim finishing, sports
## Hornets' Shooting Dominance
The 2025-26 Charlotte Hornets were one of the most prolific three-point shooting teams in NBA history.
## Knueppel's Shooting Records
Knueppel smashed every rookie shooting record on his way to leading the league in three-pointers made.
## Knueppel's Rookie Profile
The fourth-overall pick entered the NBA with meager expectations as a connective offensive piece with untapped on-ball potential.
## Knueppel's Year Two Challenge
The biggest change for Kon will be absorbing increased responsibility with the ball in his hands.
## Passing Efficiency Gap
Knueppel finished below average in rim assists per 100 possessions and three-point assists per 100 possessions.
## Rim Finishing Numbers
Knueppel attempted 21% of his field goal attempts at the rim (28th percentile) and finished 65% of them (48th percentile).
## Knueppel's Development Goal
Can he evolve from being a connective playmaker who turns down good shots for great ones into a primary ball handler who uses his gravity and strength to create good looks for others?
## Rim Finishing Improvement
If his offseason workout regimen focuses on getting stronger, quicker, and more dynamic with the ball in his hands, he will improve his rim finishing numbers.
## Knueppel's Craftiness
The second-year forward is already one of the craftiest players in the league with exceptional two-foot play in the paint.
## LaMelo Ball's Absence
Ball assisted on 110 of Knueppel's made shots last year, 45 more than the closest Hornet Miles Bridges.
## Knueppel's Production Outlook
Knueppel is projected to score 21.5 points, grab 6.3 rebounds, and dish 4.0 assists per 36 minutes on 48/43/86 shooting splits.
## Knueppel's Year Two Path
Knueppel must improve rim finishing and ball handling to sustain his high three-point production as a second-year NBA player.
## Key takeaway

Kon Knueppel must improve rim finishing and ball handling to sustain his high three-point production as a second-year NBA player.