Hornets' Kon Knueppel is honoring a Hall of Famer with jersey number choice
Knueppel had previously worn No. 33 at Wisconsin Lutheran High School because it was the number that his mother, Chari, wore at Green Bay. She was inducted into Green Bay's hall of fame, and her number was retired after she left as the women's all-time leading scorer.
The fourth pick was also inspired to wear No. 33 because of Hall of Famer Larry Bird. He was forced to change when he arrived in Durham since it is retired to honor Grant Hill, so Knueppel chose No. 7, the number Bird wore on the Dream Team with USA Basketball.
Knueppel was a second-team All-ACC selection last season, averaging 14.4 points, four rebounds, 2.7 assists and one steal in 39 games on 40.6% shooting from 3-point range. He scored in double figures in all but seven games, including a season-high 28 points and eight assists on March 13.
The 20-year-old helped the Hornets to the NBA Summer League championship, averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals in five appearances. He was named MVP of the title game after scoring a team-high 21 points and five rebounds.
Knueppel is a part of a stacked rookie class for the Hornets and has helped create plenty of anticipation heading into next season. He will do so with a familiar number on his jersey.
Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.
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