The Charlotte Hornets are officially in the midst of a major recalibration after trading away the face of the franchise, LaMelo Ball. The importance of Kon Knueppel’s second-year development has reached a new level of urgency.
Without Ball, the team’s identity is a blank canvas. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it will be shaped by the development of many young players, with one of the primary ones being Knueppel.
Kon Knueppel’s Second‑Year Evolution Could Redefine the Hornets’ Identity
The Hornets Offense Will Run Through Knueppel At Times
Knueppel is an incredibly effective off-ball scorer who benefited immensely from Ball, but his playmaking ability is slightly underrated. He averaged 3.4 assists per game, which was third on the team (only behind Collin Sexton and Ball). As a rookie who was still trying to find his rhythm in the NBA, it’s very encouraging.
Ball was indeed a high-usage player and the offense centered around him, so replacing his usage will be an astronomical task for Charlotte. Ball’s usage rate of 30.6 percent was very high. However, it was actually Coby White who led the team in usage rate with 31.6 percent.
White was the primary scoring option off the bench. Normally, he didn’t have the starters to rely upon while he was on the floor, so he was forced to create his own offense. Now, White can set the table for guys like Brandon Miller, Knueppel, or Naz Reid. But truthfully speaking, White is a downgrade from Ball from a pure playmaking standpoint.
This is exactly why the load will be spread amongst the starters. Instead of Ball being the engine of the offense, the scheme will shift towards multiple ball handlers. With that, the expectation is that Knueppel’s usage rate will spike this upcoming season.
Knueppel was very decisive with the ball in his hands. According to Breakthrough Basketball, Knueppel averaged less than 2 dribbles per touch and possessed the ball for less than 2.5 seconds per touch. Whether it was catching and shooting or attacking the basket, he was purposeful with the basketball on most possessions.
Having quick decision-making skills will be beneficial for a team lacking Ball’s playmaking. If Knueppel can step his game up in that department, his evolution can be spectacular.
The Sky is the Limit if Knueppel Can Create His Own Shot Consistently
Creating your own shot in the NBA is an extremely valuable trait. For Charlotte, that ability becomes even more important with Ball’s departure.
Knueppel showcased what he could do as a rookie. He crushed the all-time rookie three-pointers made record, broke Charlotte’s single-season record for three-pointers, led the league in three-pointers made, and was very close to beating Cooper Flagg for NBA Rookie of the Year honors.
But if Knueppel wants to reach All-Star status, he needs to be able to create for himself. If he can do that, the Devin Booker comparisons may be valid.
🎙️ @tomhaberstroh on the best player comp for Kon Knueppel:
“…the next Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooters we’ve ever seen, but also can do stuff with the ball.”
“What about Devin Booker? I know that’s aggressive, but Thompson might not be a high enough ceiling.” 🤔 https://t.co/fVcLxuKkkC pic.twitter.com/jx4yScvkGG
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) November 21, 2025
To reach Booker status, he will need to develop into a capable ball handler when needed and become elite in the mid-range. From everything that Kon has shown, there’s a chance he can hit that ceiling.
Whether it’s Knueppel or Miller becoming the new face of the franchise, the identity could be redefined without a star player like Ball anchoring it. Embodying “Hornets DNA” will be a part of it, but the flair that LaMelo brought on a nightly basis will need to be reignited by another.
Following the OKC blueprint could do wonders for this franchise in the long run. One thing is for sure: Knueppel’s second-year evolution will be a defining moment for Charlotte moving forward.
Mike Watters, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
