The Charlotte Hornets selected Duke’s excellent Conc Noupel, fourth general within the 2025 NBA Draft, and Isaiah Thomas, who performed for the Hornets, had nothing however nice issues to say in regards to the draft choose.
The San Antonio Spurs stole the highlight for all the best causes within the NBA Draft, however the Charlotte Hornets had a good evening, including a fourth choose and Liam McNeely, and after buying and selling Mark Williams on the twenty ninth choose for the Phoenix Suns within the first spherical of 2029.
The addition of Knoupel was among the best alternatives within the draft, however each received the “A” grade.
Knueppel is the MVP of the ACC Event, ending his lonely season with the Duke Blue Devils, averaging 14.4 factors, 4 rebounds and a pair of.7 assists whereas capturing 40.6% from Deep. He additionally has a aggressive drive that may assist make Cooper Flag well-known, even when he saved Cooper Flag hidden from his school teammates.
Isaiah Thomas is maybe greatest recognized for his extraordinary two-season run with the Boston Celtics and his closing choose within the 2011 NBA Draft, however he performed 17 video games for the Hornets through the 2021-22 season. He averaged 8.3 factors and performed alongside the franchise centerpieces LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridge.
Whereas Thomas labored on his NBA comeback, he was impressed with the chance to work out and play with Knoupel.
“All the best issues in the best place on both finish of the ground can shoot it at a excessive stage and do not want the ball to make an impression,” he posted Thomas on social media after the draft.
The dominant level guard who wants rocks in his palms for the ball to succeed, and pairs him with Brandon Miller and Knupel, the 2 of the 2 wing prospects in recent times assist give the Hornets the a lot wanted route.
Again in 1984, when coach Mike Kurtzivsky led the Blue Devils to the arrival of his first NCAA match, Duke was a mannequin of reliability and excellence on the college stage. John Shayer assumed the mantle in 2022, and Duke remained elite.
There may be sure expectations for the Blue Devils, and Kurtisevsky’s navy affect is obvious.
In the meantime, the Hornets have all the time had moderately complicated locker rooms, with present and former gamers, together with bridges and mirrors, struggling critical issues with off-court incidents.
Heading into the season, the one actual veteran on a assured contract is jusuf nurkic, who is just not precisely recognized for his management qualities.
As Thomas identified, Knuppel is “the man everybody desires on the crew.” He can most likely present up as a frontrunner, however he’s 19, with just one 12 months of school expertise, however it can take time to win within the locker room.
