#kon-knueppel

#kon-knueppel

The Hornets led 57-48 in the final seconds of the first half when Knueppel, who ranks second among NBA rookies in scoring and 3-point shooting, went up to defend a Desmond Bane drive to the basket and landed on Bane's foot, twisting his ankle. Knueppel had scored 16 points, all in the first quarter, while making all four of his 3-point shots. He entered the game averaging 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Coming out of UNC after a freshman season where he displayed all the traits needed to become an elite NBA-level defender, rookie Drake Powell brought plenty of upside and intrigue to the Brooklyn Nets. His offensive game was, and still is, a project, but the impact he's already made on the defensive end is blatant-and his head coach is noticing. Following Brooklyn's first win at the Barclays Center of the 2025-26 campaign, a 116-103 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Head Coach Jordi Fernandez praised the 20-year-old's knack for making the plays that don't show up on a stat sheet.