Reactions Pouring in After Hornets Draft Kon Knueppel
Reactions Pouring in After Hornets Draft Kon Knueppel originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the clock ticked down on the Sixers at No. 3, the writing was on the wall with VJ Edgecombe heading to Philly. And just like that, the Charlotte Hornets were on the clock. The speculation came fast and in real time.
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Would a trade alert flash across the screen? Would Charlotte grab Rutgers star Ace Bailey? The high-flying, polarizing talent many fans said was their guy? Or would they play it safe and go with Duke's Kon Knueppel? Well, safety was paramount for Charlotte.
The Hornets passed on the unknown and opted for function. Knueppel, the ACC Tournament Player of the Year, is staying in the Tar Heel State.
The Blue Devils standout averaged 14.4 point and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Knueppel is not flashy. He's not a social media highlight machine either. He doesn't scream 'Top-five pick energy.' But what he does bring is shooting and a ready-made offensive fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The two players who desperately need floor spacers and reliable secondary scoring force on any given night. His NBA comparison? Think a shorter Cameron Johnson, giving up a few inches in wingspan but bringing similar three-level scoring mechanics.
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The downside for Charlotte was they passed on upside once again.
Hornets head coach Charles Lee is expected to run a motion-heavy offense that leans on movement shooters and basketball IQ. Knueppel checks those boxes. His professionalism, defensive effort, and off-ball movement all scream system fit. And for a franchise that's been riddled with chaos, Kon might just be the stability pick in a sea of volatility.
Hornets Fans React: 'These (expletive) Just Like Being in Poverty'
The Hornets' fan base had strong opinions and if you were anywhere near the YouTube chat or Facebook group, you witnessed the full rollercoaster.
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'They Blew It Again…'
For many fans, the pick was just more of the same, which was safe and symbolic of a franchise afraid to take risks.
'There was only 1 wrong decision. We made it.' – Paz Mello
'We were #Konned this draft.' – Bobby Reyes
'I'm done. These front office guys never seem to get it right.' – Laquan Sanders
'This has to be one of the dumbest organizations ever.' – Jonathan BigBear Bridges
Some even compared the pick to last year's controversial Tidjane Salaun selection, calling it another reach that might haunt the Hornets in two years' time.
'Not Flashy, But the Right Pick'
A vocal minority backed the move, leaning into Knueppel's upside as a reliable contributor and perfect schematic piece.
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'Kon is a good shooter and a decent defender.' – Sean Teamor Jr.
'This is gonna be a great pick for us and I'll take the heat for now.' – Andrew Epermanis
'That was the right pick. You don't build contenders by rolling with flash.' – Alex Monfreda
'Love it! Perfect fit for the team!' – Davey Boucher
Fans pointed out that while Bailey offers more sizzle and Kon offers something Charlotte hasn't had in years, which is reliable shot-making.
Safe vs. Upside: The Draft Room Debate
At the heart of the reaction is a philosophical split. Should the Hornets swing for star potential with Bailey or Johnson, or take a player ready to contribute right now?
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'Kon ain't bad at all, but we could've used a later pick for him—reminds me of Salaun all over again.' – Will Jones
'Maybe if Melo can stay healthy and create shots for him it could be a good pick… just unlikely.' – Matthew J. Price
Related: Fresh Intel Reveals Hornets Locked on Duke's Kon Knueppel at No. 4
Emotional Boil Over: Exhaustion Setting In
Some fans didn't mince words about their frustration with the franchise.
'These (expletive) just like being in poverty.' – Zak Mullins
'780 days of losing basketball for this (expletive).' – Skeleton Jack
'We are the dumbest organization.' – Caleb Thurman
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'Well, I'll see you guys next year in the top 5 again.' – Jordan Foster
Related: Hornets Trade Mark Williams to Suns for Two First-Round Picks, per Report
Final Verdict: A House Divided
Whether Knueppel becomes a core piece in Charlotte's rebuild or just another name in a long list of draft-day debates remains to be seen. What's clear is that this pick didn't ignite hope and cast doubt.
The Hornets took the safe road at #4, betting that shooting and intangibles will outweigh raw talent and star power. But in a league driven by superstars, will that approach move the needle?
Related: Nike to Release Hornets Inspired Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Grape'
Time will tell. But in Charlotte, patience is running out and the noise is getting louder.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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