Kon Knueppel Summer League Stats: Kon Knueppel, the Charlotte Hornets’ No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, stepped into the NBA Summer League with high expectations. Fresh off a stellar freshman season at Duke, where he averaged 14.4 points and shot 40.6% from three, the 6’7” guard-forward hybrid was eager to prove himself as a pro. The Las Vegas Summer League, held in July 2025, gave fans and analysts a first look at how his college skills translate to the NBA. While his journey wasn’t flawless, Knueppel showed flashes of brilliance that signal a bright future. Let’s break down his Summer League stats and what they mean for his rookie season.
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A Rocky Debut Against the Jazz
Knueppel’s Summer League debut on July 11, 2025, against the Utah Jazz was a tough one. He finished with just 5 points on 1-for-8 shooting, missing all five of his three-point attempts and committing four turnovers. His first NBA points came on a breakaway slam, a highlight that showed his athleticism, but the game exposed some rookie jitters. Facing fellow Duke product Kyle Filipowski, who blocked his layup, Knueppel struggled to find his rhythm. Despite the Hornets’ 111-105 win, his 12.5% field goal percentage raised eyebrows, especially for a player known for his shooting prowess at Duke.
Bouncing Back Strong Against the Mavericks
Knueppel didn’t let his debut define him. In his second game on July 14 against the Dallas Mavericks, he looked like the sharpshooter Charlotte drafted. He dropped 16 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists, shooting 5-for-10 from the field and 3-for-5 from three. This double-double performance showcased his versatility—his ability to score, rebound, and facilitate. Knueppel’s confidence grew after sinking a deep three, and his playmaking, honed at Duke, shone through with smart passes to teammates like PJ Hall. His defensive effort was notable too, as he used his 215-pound frame to hold his own against ball handlers. This game silenced early doubters and proved he could adapt quickly.
Shining Against the Spurs
On July 18, Knueppel delivered another strong outing against the San Antonio Spurs, tying for the team-high with 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including 3-for-8 from three. He added 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in 29 minutes, helping the Hornets to a 106-81 rout. His ability to create shots off the dribble and find open teammates stood out, showing he’s more than just a spot-up shooter. While his three-point percentage (37.5%) wasn’t elite, his all-around game—scoring, playmaking, and defense—highlighted his potential as a connector for stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. This performance reinforced his reputation as a high-IQ player.
Clutch in the Championship Game
Knueppel saved his best for last in the Summer League championship game on July 20 against the Sacramento Kings. He led the Hornets to an 83-78 victory with a team-high 21 points, including 4-for-11 from three, and earned the game’s MVP award. His clutch three-pointer with 32 seconds left sealed the win, showing he can rise to big moments. Despite a 8-for-21 shooting night, his 5 rebounds and 2 assists added to his impact. This game capped an undefeated 5-0 Summer League run for Charlotte and cemented Knueppel’s status as a key piece for the Hornets’ future.
What His Stats Tell Us
Across four Summer League games (he sat out one due to an ankle injury), Knueppel averaged 14.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, with shooting splits of 41% from the field, 33% from three, and 66% from the free-throw line. His numbers reflect a player adjusting to the NBA’s speed but thriving as a versatile contributor. While his three-point shooting dipped below his Duke efficiency, his ability to impact the game in multiple ways—scoring, rebounding, passing, and defending—suggests he’s ready to be a plug-and-play piece for Charlotte. His high basketball IQ and unselfish play align perfectly with coach Charles Lee’s vision.
Knueppel’s Summer League journey wasn’t perfect, but it was promising. From a shaky debut to a championship MVP performance, he showed resilience and growth. As he heads into his rookie season, Hornets fans should be excited about his potential to complement their young core. Keep an eye on this sharpshooter—he’s just getting started.