Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has proven to be one of this year’s most talented newcomers in the NBA.
He is currently among the top candidates for Rookie of the Year, thanks to his scoring ability. Knueppel is regarded as one of the league’s best shooters despite being a rookie, posting an accurate 43.1% from beyond the arc.
With that in mind, reporters asked the Hornets rookie who he believes deserves a place on the Mount Rushmore of NBA shooters.
Kon Knueppel Names His All-Time NBA Shooters
In a recent interview during All-Star Weekend, Knueppel was asked who he considered part of the Mt. Rushmore of NBA shooters. Without hesitation, the Hornets rookie named Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Ray Allen, and Reggie Miller as his all-time shooting greats.
He said this with ZERO hesitation. Thoughts on Kon Knueppel’s NBA Shooter Mt. Rushmore!? 👀🎯
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— theScore (@theScore) February 15, 2026
Knueppel’s list reflects a strong understanding of the game. Beginning with Curry and Thompson, they are two of the primary reasons the NBA shifted toward a more perimeter-oriented style of play.
During the mid-2010s, the duo of Curry and Thompson, known as the “Splash Brothers,” revolutionized the league with their outside shooting. Focused on long-range accuracy, the Golden State Warriors tandem captured four championships together.
Before 3-point shooting became widespread, Allen was among the few who consistently converted from long distance in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Allen’s perimeter shooting was a major factor in the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship run and the Miami Heat’s 2013 title. His most memorable shot came in the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6. Chris Bosh secured a rebound and passed to Allen in the corner. With the clock winding down, Allen hit a pivotal 3-pointer, forcing a Game 7.
Finally, Miller was one of the premier outside shooters of his era. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he posed a significant challenge in the Eastern Conference as teams struggled to contain his perimeter shooting.
Miller led the Indiana Pacers to their lone Finals appearance in 2000. Although they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, Miller demonstrated that elite shooting could carry a team in an era dominated by interior play.
Knueppel has drawn strong praise for his shooting, including from Curry himself.
“It’s impressive. For as young as he is, he plays with such composure,” Curry said earlier this season. “He obviously can shoot the ball at a high level, you can’t leave him open at all — he just has such a good, quick release and shoots with confidence.”
That not only has helped the Hornets surge this season but also earned him an invitation to this year’s 3-Point Contest, where he finished third behind champion Damian Lillard and runner-up Devin Booker.
