Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel Predicted to Be Top NBA Player in 2030
The Charlotte Hornets have a bright future with Kon Knueppel leading the way. The 25-year-old forward is predicted to be the 25th-best player in the NBA in 2030, according to NBA analyst Andy Bailey.
What makes Kon Knueppel special?
Knueppel is one of the most dangerous shooters in the entire NBA, regardless of age. His skill alone could carry him to top-30 status. But Knueppel also has some playmaking upside. And while he's not likely to ever compete for All-Defense nods, he has the size and know-how to at least be passable on that end.
What's next for Kon Knueppel?
If he shows even moderate development in some of his lower-tier skills, he could develop into a top-20 player. Knueppel's impressive skills and potential for growth make him a top contender. He's the new face of the franchise in the post-LaMelo Ball era.
Recent form: 2W-0D-3L (WWLLL)
The Charlotte Hornets are on a 2-game winning run, with their last result being a 96-110 win over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026. This recent form is a promising sign for the team's future.
Kon Knueppel's impressive rookie season
Last season, Knueppel had a special season for the Hornets. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game and shot 47.5% from the field, 42.5% from 3, and 86.3% from the free-throw line. He led the NBA in 3s and claimed the first four Rookie of the Month awards this season, becoming the first Hornet ever to win the award four times.
Kon Knueppel's records and achievements
At age 20, Knueppel became the only player in NBA history age 22 or younger to record 250 3PM in a season against New York (March 26). He passed Michael Jordan for the NBA rookie record for most games with 20+ points on 65% true shooting (27) against Miami (March 6) in his then-rookie-leading 14th 25-point game. Knueppel set an NBA rookie record for 3-pointers made in a season (207) with a career-high-tying and franchise-rookie-record-tying 8 3PM at Indiana (Feb. 26); Knueppel tied his own franchise rookie record. He also set a new NBA record for most games with 5+ 3PM by a rookie with 14 at Atlanta (Feb. 7). Knueppel is one of three rookies in NBA history (min. 25 games played) to average 15 points and 5 rebounds per game and shoot 40% from 3-point range; the other two are Larry Bird and Paul Pierce.