Charlotte Hornets rookie wing Kon Knueppel showed out during Thursday’s 106-81 Las Vegas Summer League victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The 2025 No. 4 pick’s well-rounded effort helped Charlotte clinch a spot in Saturday’s semifinals, impressing NBA fans.
Knueppel tallied a summer league career-high 19 points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers, shooting an efficient 7-for-13 (53.8%). Meanwhile, he finished with a plus-minus of plus-26 as the Hornets pulled away behind a 34-13 second quarter, entering halftime on a 23-2 run.
That marked Knueppel’s second straight standout summer league performance. He previously finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block, and three triples on 5-for-10 shooting (50.0%) during Monday’s 87-69 win over the Dallas Mavericks. With the 19-year-old gaining momentum amid Charlotte’s 4-0 start, fans began singing his praises.
NBA Fans Rave About Kon Knueppel After His Versatile Display Against Spurs
Knueppel’s dynamic showing against San Antonio, which saw him create offense off the dribble, score off-ball, and facilitate for his teammates, earned him widespread applause on X.
#4 PICK KON KNUEPPEL LIFTS HORNETS TO 4-0!
🐝 19 PTS
🐝 6 AST
🐝 5 REB
🐝 3 3PM
🐝 2 STLCharlotte clinches a spot in the #NBA2KSummerLeague Semifinals 🙌 pic.twitter.com/mVvus2xHTv
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2025
Numerous fans gushed over the sharpshooter’s versatility and all-around winning impact.
“Efficient, unselfish, and everywhere on the floor. Summer League gem incoming,” one fan said.
Efficient, unselfish, and everywhere on the floor. Summer League gem incoming.
— The Chairman (@apollohedge) July 18, 2025
“He’s such a hooper,” another wrote.
He’s such a hooper
— Nate (@natestakess) July 18, 2025
“All round performance,” one user commented.
All round performance 🫡
— Buri.buri.simon (@sadha_sedha_boi) July 18, 2025
“Best player in the summer league,” another chimed in.
Best player in the summer league
— KingShagrin (@kingshagrin) July 18, 2025
Meanwhile, a few others dubbed Knueppel a draft steal despite the Duke alumnus being a top-four selection in what was widely considered a strong draft class.
“Steal of the draft,” one fan remarked.
Steal of the draft
— Tony G 🇮🇹 (@TGTatum4_3) July 18, 2025
“Steal of the draft besides [Kasparas Jakučionis],” another asserted.
Steal of the draft besides Jaku
— Tyler Herro Muse ☆ (@danhurleyuconn) July 18, 2025
Through three summer league appearances, Knueppel is averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 41.9%. He has suited up in all but one of Charlotte’s four victories, sitting out his squad’s second contest to manage an ankle injury.
With his ability to affect games in multiple facets, Knueppel was deemed a relatively safe pick for a Hornets franchise in need of talent upgrades. The 6’6″ wing is projected to compete for considerable playing time on the LaMelo Ball-led team, which went just 19-63 this past season.
Charlotte is in the midst of an NBA-worst nine-year playoff drought. However, Knueppel and Co. have been offering their fan base a glimmer of hope amid their undefeated summer league run. The Hornets will look to maintain their summer success during Saturday’s semifinal clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
