K2 PICK 4 Kon Knueppel Is Headed to Charlotte

K2 ➡️ PICK 4‼️ Kon Knueppel Is Headed to Charlotte! 👿🐝

The buzz in Buzz City just got louder. With the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected Kon Knueppel, the 6-foot-7 guard-forward out of Duke University, adding a versatile offensive weapon to their young core.

Affectionately known as “K2,” Knueppel becomes the highest-drafted Duke Blue Devil since Zion Williamson went No. 1 in 2019. And make no mistake  Charlotte is getting one of the most polished, efficient, and NBA-ready prospects in this year’s draft class.

A Sharp Shooter with Big Game Pedigree

Knueppel’s rise to the top ranks of the draft was no surprise to those who followed him through high school and college. The Milwaukee native was a five-star recruit who made national headlines for his elite shooting touch and high basketball IQ. At Duke, he lived up to the hype  and then some.

In his one season under Jon Scheyer, Knueppel proved himself as a floor-spacer and playmaker, shooting over 44% from three-point range and averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He rarely forced shots, always made the right reads, and showed the kind of poise usually reserved for seasoned veterans. He was a critical piece in Duke’s deep postseason run and earned All-ACC First Team honors.

Why Charlotte Made the Move

The Hornets have been hunting for a complementary piece to pair with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller — and Knueppel is a seamless fit. His ability to shoot off the catch, create in pick-and-roll, and defend multiple positions makes him a plug-and-play starter from Day 1.

In a league where shooting and versatility reign supreme, Knueppel brings both in abundance. He’s a high-effort defender who competes on every possession, and his basketball instincts are off the charts. Scouts have compared his game to a blend of Joe Harris’ shooting, Gordon Hayward’s feel, and Josh Hart’s toughness.

What really set him apart in the pre-draft process? His work ethic and interviews. Teams were blown away by Knueppel’s professionalism, maturity, and film-study habits. One scout reportedly said, “He’s a coach’s dream — always in the gym, always learning, always ready.”

A Duke-to-Charlotte Pipeline

Knueppel adds to the growing list of Blue Devils making their way to Charlotte. The franchise has leaned heavily into Duke ties over the years  from drafting Brandon Ingram, Mason Plumlee, and now Kon Knueppel  and the trend continues with a pick that has the fanbase buzzing.

Jon Scheyer, Knueppel’s coach at Duke, had nothing but glowing words after the pick was announced:

“Kon is the real deal. He’s a winner, a worker, and a fierce competitor. Charlotte’s getting a player who’s going to make an impact right away  and for years to come.”

A New Era Begins in Charlotte

For Kon, the journey is just beginning. From Wisconsin roots to Durham hardwood, and now to the bright lights of the NBA, K2 has always let his game do the talking. But tonight, his smile said it all  he’s ready.

Charlotte fans have plenty to be excited about. In Knueppel, they’re not just getting a scorer or a shooter  they’re getting a player who understands the game, embraces the grind, and is ready to lead by example. His skill set and mentality are exactly what the Hornets need as they build toward playoff contention.

And with LaMelo throwing no-look passes and Knueppel spotting up from deep?

Buzz City is about to get dangerous.

🏀💜 Welcome to the NBA, K2. Charlotte’s got a star in the making.