Kon Knueppel delivered strong performances for much of the 2025/26 season after being selected fourth overall in the draft, but his production dipped late in the year, including in Charlotte’s two play-in games, as Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer noted.
Despite being in the Rookie of the Year conversation, Knueppel didn’t try to justify the downturn.
“Yeah, no excuses,” said Knueppel, who played in 83 of 84 games for the Charlotte Hornets.
“I just didn’t make a lot of shots. I shot really well throughout the year and you just got to the point in the last week of the season, the last two weeks of the season, just didn’t shoot it great.
“Sometimes that’s how it rolls. Obviously, there are some big games and you want to be able to shoot it well and you want to have your best stuff. I just didn’t have it. So, it’s frustrating. It is a long season.
“It’s my first time doing it, so some of that I think is a learning experience, just how to keep yourself fresh because these seasons are long.
“I haven’t had any off time since last college season, and so I’m looking forward to some rest. But it’ll be something I think about for sure, going forward, just one of the best ways to manage that come out ready to go next year.”
Knueppel has played 1 season for the Hornets. He has averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 81 regular-season games.
Hornets Notes: Lee, Physicality, LaMelo, Knueppel, Offseason https://t.co/Ibx61uXykb pic.twitter.com/SJ2cKjplae
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 19, 2026
