Kon Knueppel‘s first preseason action in a Charlotte Hornets uniform had all the hallmarks of a rookie introduction: a few early jitters, some adjustment moments, and flashes that hinted at why the organization believes he can become a long-term piece. The former Duke forward started with the main group for the first time, logging 18 points and several assists while growing more confident as the game wore on.
“Yeah, it was fun to get out there for the first time,” Knueppel said after the game. “Obviously it didn’t go how we wanted the first couple minutes, and that kind of had us playing from behind the whole time. But it was good to get out there and get some reps with the guys.”
That opening stretch tested his rhythm early, as his first few jumpers rimmed out before he found a groove in the second quarter. The long-range stroke that made him a Duke fan favorite eventually settled in, and he finished as one of the Hornets’ top scorers in the second half.
“I started one-for-five,” Knueppel said. “A couple of them felt good — one got tipped, one went way long. I was just kind of getting calibrated. I thought they were good shots, so you feel good about taking the right ones and keep taking them.”
Despite the rough start, Knueppel finished with 18 points on 6-13 shooting (4-10 3FG) while dishing out two assists and pulling down two rebounds.
Knueppel said the focus now is continuing to think the game at a professional level.
“I just think trying to make the right plays, trying to be in the right spot defensively, and then just trying to make the extra pass offensively — find the open guy, make the right read on a close-out,” he said. “If you do those things, you’ll be ready to play in any scenario.”
His learning curve included an in-game lesson from his coach, who gathered Knueppel and a pair of teammates during a timeout to correct a defensive breakdown. Knueppel appreciated the teaching moment.
“He got on us a little bit,” Knueppel said with a smile. “Ryan didn’t come over to help and block a shot, and me and Liam messed up a switch. That stuff can’t happen because we weren’t talking. You’ve got to be able to communicate, and if we make a mistake while communicating really loudly, that’s different. But making a mistake because we’re not talking — that can’t happen.”
While Knueppel’s offense drew attention, fellow Duke product Sion James provided steady defense and secondary playmaking off the bench. James played limited minutes as he continues to adjust to the NBA pace but showcased the same versatility and energy that made him valuable in Durham.
Together, the two former Blue Devils are giving Charlotte an early glimpse of the poise and competitiveness Duke fans saw every night in Cameron Indoor Stadium. It was only a preseason debut, but Knueppel’s response to early adversity — and his insistence on communication and the right reads — showed the maturity of a player ready to carve out his role at the next level.