Kon Knueppel currently sits second in the Rookie of the Year race behind Cooper Flagg, and his production this season has kept him firmly in the conversation. While Flagg remains the frontrunner, Knueppel’s numbers stack up nicely and reflect how smoothly he’s adjusted to the NBA game. Still, the Hornets’ rookie recently admitted there’s one opposing player he consistently struggles against whenever they match up.
Kon Knueppel Struggles Defending TJ McConnell
Knueppel has looked great so far throughout his rookie year. He’s been able to get a taste of what it’s like to go toe-to-toe against some of the most experienced guys in the league. While it is a scary task, Knueppel is unfazed by the elite and is holding his own… But he has rather felt chills run up his spine against this one opponent.
In a recent episode of ‘The Ringer’, he shared his thoughts on his NBA experience so far. He threw in one name that wasn’t necessarily a star. Knueppel dubbed $44,800,000 veteran TJ McConnell as the most formidable opponent he had ever had to guard. The Hornet rookie acknowledged McConnell’s unique style and pace on the court, which makes him a tough cover.
“He’s unreal,” Knueppel said about McConnell. “He’s one of the hardest guys to guard. He’s so low to the ground. Like his center of gravity is so low. He’s really hard to stay in front of. Then he has that rise up, like, mid-range, like ten-footer, where he’s got the ball way above his head. He’s really hard to guard.”
Kon Knueppel on facing the likes of Jokic, Giannis, and Kawhi; and why T.J. McConnell is one of the hardest players to defend in the league. pic.twitter.com/wvBYljRkIe
— The Ringer (@ringer) January 15, 2026
While Knueppel is now learning how difficult it is to go up against NBA players, his experiences will only make him stronger. And that’s why rookies need ‘Baptism of Fire’.
The Hornets’ rookie is already shaping up to be one of the brightest rising stars. Knueppel is averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while playing for a team that LaMelo Ball is in charge of.
Despite being the new face in Charlotte, he’s already proving to be a worthy co-star to Ball and potentially one of the faces of the franchise moving forward.
