With Joel Embiid’s future uncertain and Philadelphia looking to reload around Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers could be eying their next key piece in the 2025 NBA Draft, and it’s not who most fans might expect.
Instead of a flashy name or a top-tier athlete, one analyst believes the Sixers could land Duke’s low-key breakout star. Could a sharpshooting freshman be the surprise answer to Philly’s long-term build?
Kon Knueppel’s Rise From ‘Unsung Hero’ to Lottery Talent
Kon Knueppel isn’t your typical draft day headliner, but don’t let the quiet demeanor fool you. The 6’7”, 217-pound guard/forward has been gaining steam as one of the most NBA-ready wings in the class.
In his lone season at Duke, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while posting elite 48/41/91 shooting splits. His 3-point shooting, a strength that dates back to his high school days, continued to shine in college, and his steady hand helped carry the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance.
That consistent production is precisely what has draft analysts buzzing. In his latest mock draft, SB Nation’s Rickey O’Donnell predicted the Sixers would snag Knueppel, calling him “Duke’s unsung hero” and praising his combination of “knockdown shooting and a pinch of pick-and-roll playmaking.”
“He should offer immense shooting gravity with a three-year track record of elite 3-point shooting dating back to high school, and I think his feel for the game and toughness are impressive enough to help him overcome his average length and athletic explosiveness,” said Donnell.
For a team with smaller guards in Maxey and Jared McCain, positional fit might raise questions. But the value proposition is hard to ignore. Knueppel is a winning player who can slot into almost any lineup construction.
What Makes Knueppel a Fit in Philadelphia?
At first glance, Knueppel’s athletic profile might seem underwhelming. He doesn’t pop off the screen with explosiveness, and he won’t be throwing down highlight-reel dunks anytime soon. But dig deeper, and you find a player built for today’s NBA.
Knueppel thrives on balance, patience, and control, especially off the dribble. ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla recently spotlighted his ability to “play off two feet,” meaning Knueppel knows how to gather, stop, and pivot under pressure after being chased off the 3-point line.
That kind of footwork doesn’t show up on box scores, but it separates college shooters from NBA-ready creators. Combined with his off-ball movement, vision in the pick-and-roll, and poise as a secondary playmaker, Knueppel offers a skill set that could immediately complement Maxey and Embiid or whoever takes the mantle in Philadelphia’s next era.
With the 2025 NBA Draft set for June 26, Knueppel has emerged as a strong lottery candidate.
