Kon Knueppel

Kon II Knueppel, commonly known as Kon Knueppel, is an American basketball player who plays in the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets. The 4th overall pick from the 2025 NBA draft is listed as a shooting guard/ small forward on the NBA’s official website. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native is 19 years old as of July 2025 and will turn 20th in August 2025. As of July 2025, Knueppel is seen playing in the Summer League.

Kon Knueppel's Early Life and Family Background

Knueppel was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, into a basketball family with both his parents being former hoopers. His father, Kon, played college basketball at Wisconsin Lutheran College and was the school's all-time leading scorer until 2019. His paternal uncles Klint, Klay, and Kole, along with his father, competed in the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament under the team name “Flying Knueppel Brothers”.

Knueppel’s mother, Chari Nordgaard, a product of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, played in two NCAA Women's Basketball Tournaments in 1998 and 1999. She has also etched her name into the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s history books by being the University’s all-time leading scorer, 1,964 points (via Yahoo Sports). Knueppel’s maternal uncle, Jeff Nordgaard, played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and professionally in Europe.

Knueppel attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School and averaged 10.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in his freshman season. His stats increased every year as he averaged 19.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game during his junior campaign and went on to finish his senior year by averaging 26.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. He was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball for his senior year performance.

Kon Knueppel’s College Career

After receiving offers from various prestigious schools, Alabama, Virginia, Notre Dame, USC, etc, Knueppel at last committed to basketball’s blue blood program in the Duke Blue Devils. However, he only played a single season with Duke and averaged 14.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Knueppel’s calling card is his 3-point shot from where he shoots over 40% of his FG. He also led ACC from the free throw line (91.4%) in 2024-25 as per the NBA’s official website. In his lone season as a Blue Devil, Kon was selected to the Second-team All-ACC and ACC All-Freshman teams. Knueppel also won ACC tournament MVP after posting 18 points and 8 rebounds in an ACC Championship game against Louisville.

Kon Knueppel’s NBA Career

The 2025 campaign will be Knueppel’s rookie year as he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. In his three Summer League games as of July 17th, 2025, Knueppel has averaged 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals on 41.9% shooting from the field, as per Yahoo Sports.

Kon Knueppel Career Highlights

College

• Second-team All-ACC (2025)

• ACC All-Freshman Team (2025)

• ACC tournament MVP (2025)

High School

• Jordan Brand Classic (2024)

• Wisconsin Mr. Basketball (2024)