Move over, Steph Curry. There's a new sharpshooter in town, and his name is Kon Knueppel.
The Charlotte Hornets rookie just reached 250 career three-pointers in only 72 games, shattering Duncan Robinson's previous record of 79 games. But here's where it gets really wild: Knueppel isn't just setting rookie records—he's leading the entire NBA in three-pointers made this season with 250+, ahead of even Luka Doncic (242) and his own teammate LaMelo Ball (228).
Let me put this in perspective for you. This kid is a rookie—a first-year player—and he's outgunning the league's most prolific shooters. According to ESPN's advanced metrics, Knueppel has contributed 153 points above average on offense this season. No other rookie is above 18. He's not just good for a rookie; he's one of the best offensive players in basketball, period.
ESPN's analytics place him 11th overall in offensive net points, sandwiched between Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson ahead of him, and Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey behind him. That's All-Star company.
And the efficiency? Off the charts. Knueppel is shooting .65 true shooting percentage, third among qualified perimeter players behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (.67) and Sam Merrill. For context, Nikola Jokic—the best offensive player in basketball—is at .672. Knueppel is in that stratosphere.
"Knueppel should win the Rookie of the Year award, and for as well as Flagg has played, the decision shouldn't be that close," ESPN wrote. And they're right.
