The Charlotte Hornets don’t actually have lots to hold their hat on not too long ago. They’ve been rebuilding for a number of seasons now, but it surely seems like for the primary time shortly they’ve a lightweight on the finish of the tunnel.
The Hornets chosen Kon Knueppel with the fourth decide this previous draft. Charlotte desperately wanted one other versatile guard to play subsequent to LaMelo Ball, and Knueppel performed each on and off the ball at Duke.
Due to his versatility, Knueppel is the right match for at this time’s NBA. Nevertheless, his finest ability is what’s going to permit him to have an extended NBA profession.
Knueppel has mastered the artwork of sharpshooting
Knueppel’s taking pictures was on full show throughout his lone yr at Duke. He shot 41 % on 5 makes an attempt. It is a ability that Charlotte was missing of their backcourt, as Ball was their solely true perimeter guard menace. Knueppel has modified the Hornets’ offense due to the truth that his ground spacing has translated in an elite method.
Knueppel is averaging practically 19 factors per recreation and taking pictures 48 % from the sphere and 42 % from three-point vary. His full offensive bag has been on show. He already has 9 video games of 20 or extra factors, 13 video games of at the very least three three-pointers made, and solely 4 video games of taking pictures decrease than 30 % from past the arc.
Knueppel’s presence has drastically improved Charlotte’s crew taking pictures as properly. After rating twenty eighth in three-point proportion final yr, they now rank twenty first. They had been 18th in makes final season, and now they’re eighth. The ground spacing has improved the Hornets’ general offense, as they’ve gone from twenty eighth in offensive ranking final yr to 18th this season.
Knueppel has confirmed he’s the important thing to the Hornets’ rebuild
Charlotte has grown accustomed to the underside of the East. They haven’t made the playoffs in a decade, have solely gained greater than 40 video games twice within the final decade, and have gained 40 mixed video games within the final two seasons.
Whereas the Hornets probably gained’t make the playoffs this season, their future appears brighter due to the addition of Knueppel. His taking pictures has already modified their offense considerably, and his general offensive means is barely going to proceed to develop.
Knueppel was a part of a stacked draft class, but when he retains this up, he’ll make his case as one of many extra impactful gamers from his draft yr.
