The Charlotte Hornets announced Friday that second-year star Kon Knueppel and forward Grant Williams have suffered hamstring injuries and will miss the entire preseason slate. Both players sustained their injuries during offseason on-court work and will be re-evaluated during the first week of the regular season, which starts October 21 against the Brooklyn Nets. This news casts a shadow over a Hornets team that ended last season strong, winning three of their final five games, including a 110-96 victory over the New York Knicks on April 12.
Knueppel hurt his left hamstring while Williams suffered a right hamstring strain. The Hornets confirmed the news in an official statement. "Kon Knueppel suffered a left hamstring injury and Grant Williams suffered a right hamstring injury during offseason on-court activity," the club said. "Both players will miss our preseason games and be re-evaluated during the first week of the regular season." Missing preseason reps is a setback for any player, but it's especially tough for a young cornerstone like Knueppel who is expected to take a major leap.
Kon Knueppel isn't just another player. He's the centerpiece of Charlotte's rebuild following the trade of LaMelo Ball. After being drafted third overall in 2025, he had a stellar rookie year. Knueppel played in 81 games, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He shot an efficient 47.5% from the field and 42.5% from three-point range. Losing him for any regular season time would be a major blow to an offense that leans on his two-way versatility.
Charlotte's front office has been busy constructing a competitive team around Knueppel and fellow young star Brandon Miller. This offseason, they re-signed guard Coby White and made several trades. They acquired Naz Reid as part of the Ball deal and also brought in veterans Dennis Schroder, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale. These moves add needed experience and shooting to support the young core. The goal is clear: make a push in the Eastern Conference.
The immediate focus is on the start of the regular season on October 21. The Hornets will hope Knueppel and Williams are cleared quickly after their re-evaluation. Their preseason schedule will now be a chance for other players to step up and for the new veterans to build chemistry. The season opener against the Nets at Spectrum Center suddenly has more uncertainty. Charlotte's ability to weather this early storm could define their start. The team showed resilience late last season with wins over Minnesota (122-108) and Indiana (129-108), and they'll need that same toughness now.
