LaMelo Ball’s influence on the Charlotte Hornets extends beyond the court, with his input proving crucial in the team’s decision to draft Kon Knueppel.
Ball’s Recommendation of Knueppel
Despite facing criticism for his playing style and attitude, Ball’s basketball IQ is highly valued within the Hornets organisation. When Hornets GM Jeff Peterson asked Ball about prospects in the 2025 class, Ball singled out Kon Knueppel.
Ball, having watched Duke play, was impressed by Knueppel’s savvy, basketball IQ, and understanding of the game. He also noted Knueppel’s elite shooting ability.
Peterson told ESPN that Ball was spot on with those traits. Ball was very detailed in his evaluation of why he liked him.
Knueppel’s Impact on the Hornets
The discussion about Knueppel occurred before the NBA Draft lottery, before Charlotte knew they would be picking 4th overall. Knueppel is a mammoth reason why the Hornets improved to 44-38 this season, good enough to make the NBA Play-In Tournament.
His shooting and ability to play off the screen has paired perfectly with a healthy Ball and Miller. This has transformed Charlotte into one of the NBA’s hottest teams.
Knueppel’s team-first, unselfish play has allowed Charlotte to flourish with perimeter shooting, stretching the floor, and morphing from a spot-up shooter early in the season, to now being a threat that has to be accounted for, opening up passing lanes for LaMelo Ball.
A Perfect Match
Kon Knueppel to Charlotte has been a match made in basketball heaven. The Hornets are now a team to watch in the East for 2026-27.
It’s unclear if Cooper Flagg would have been a good fit alongside Ball and Miller.