The Charlotte Hornets have undergone an unbelievable summer time league marketing campaign, and plenty of younger gamers have been impressed.
They’re undefeated all through the match and can play the Summer time League Finals in opposition to the Sacramento Kings.
They confronted the undefeated OKC Thunder aspect within the semi-finals as effectively. Nevertheless, the Charlotte Hornets retracted a compelling 109-80 victory on the night time.
Jalen Sims led the best way to the Hornets as he scored 25 factors in 71.4% taking pictures from the sector.
However that was what Kon Knueppel did.
Knueppel was all the time making an attempt to take a look at him as he was the fourth decide within the 2025 NBA Draft.
He averaged 14.3 factors and confirmed a number of grit for his workforce, which made everybody impressed along with his summer time league efficiency.
One of many largest examples of how a lot Knoupel cares about victory got here within the semi-finals in opposition to the Thunder.
The 19-year-old had already scored 17 factors, and the Hornets had a snug 26-point lead. Nevertheless, Knupel jumped for a free ball and injured his head with that play, so he was taken out of the sport.
It isn’t superb that Knoupel suffered an damage, but it surely reveals how dedicated he’s to win.
The Hornets haven’t achieved success lately, however the addition of Cnoupel has introduced a lot hope to the group.
The Duke participant revealed how Clay Thompson’s legacy has impressed him lately.
Just like the four-time champion, Knuppel has been a fantastic shooter all through his stint in school and if he may proceed the identical within the NBA, the Hornets may have added a proficient two-way participant to the roster.
Knoupel’s Summer time League efficiency was impressed even Hornets Summer time League coach Chris Gent.
He reveals that Knoupel is nervous within the first recreation, however has since proven his personal skills and his true skills.
Gent stated: “He is simply taking part in comfortably. He is comfy proper now. His first recreation, a little bit nervous, his first recreation in the summertime league.
He is a newcomer, that is what you’d anticipate. Now he has discovered a little bit rhythm and move, and it solely will get higher. ”
Knuppel has already spoken about his pleasure to play alongside different gamers for the Hornets.
Lamelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges are the three core gamers on the workforce. Nevertheless, Knupel definitely can convey dynamism to the workforce by way of his taking pictures and defensiveness.
