Kon Knueppel had a sensational freshman season in Durham for the Duke Blue Devils. He really shocked people from day one but quickly became Duke’s most reliable option next to Cooper Flagg. Now, Kon Knueppel is ready for the NBA Draft.
Kon Knueppel 2025 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Knueppel came in under the radar after not being named a McDonalds All-American but he quickly shot up draft boards as scouts flocked to Durham to see summer workouts. Knueppel started slowly but he very quickly proved why scouts were raving over him.
Knueppel ended the season averaging 14.4 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game. He flashed as both a playmaker and scorer earning 2nd team All-ACC honors. Additionally, he took home ACC tournament MVP while Flagg was sidelined. Kon shot 40.6% from three on nearly six threes per game after a slow start prior to ACC play. At 6’7 217 pounds, he is a big bodied guard.
Strengths
Without a doubt, Knueppel’s greatest strength is his three point shooting ability. He did start slow but ultimately he became the best shooter in the ACC quickly. Kon found himself with the ball in his hands often as a primary playmaker but he also flourished off flare screens with Cooper Flagg. Additionally, he is great with his feet set and is always ready to hit a spot up three. The release is extremely quick and he understands how to use his body to create space. Very Klay Thompson-esque in his release.
Probably a bit more surprising for fans was Knueppel’s playmaking ability. Duke walked into the season with no true playmaking point guard. As the season went on, Knueppel often was the one that found the ball in his hands when plays needed to be made. That shows a lot of confidence and trust from Scheyer and company. Knueppel averaged 2.7 assists per game and only 1.4 turnovers per game for a great A/T ratio. Often, he and Flagg would take turns initiating the offense.
🎯Some Kon Knueppel tourney drives🎯
Incredible “quick patience.” Kon is never sped up but always decisive. Gets to his spots through clean feet and comfort dragging defenders with him.
He’s so, so good. More clips coming on b sky, as always. Ep this week with @bgeis_bird pic.twitter.com/bcp3dIBQHD
— Chucking Darts NBA & Draft Podcast (@ChuckingDarts) April 5, 2025
When you watch a Duke basketball game, at some point you will notice a player sliding across the floor or diving into the stands. 9 times out of 10 that person will be Knueppel. Duke could be up 40 or down by 10 and Knueppel is never going to change his effort. It is an intangible, but it is invaluable.
Weaknesses
Knueppel will likely not test great at the NBA Combine. He does not have great athleticism but he makes up for it with a good sized frame. His lack of speed and athleticism may create some problems on the perimeter in the NBA. He will need to rely heavily on his effort to make up for it as well as a high IQ. He was still able to shoot 63% at the rim despite lacking a great athletic ability.
The other main weakness for Knueppel is shooting off the dribble. Hig eFG % off the dribble is 35% compared to 65% on catch and shoot, per Synergy. It is often a struggle for many young players but it is something to note for a future guard in the NBA. Likely, he will develop this ability but it will take time. He does really well getting to a jumpstop and pivot to make shots but doing so off the bounce is the next level. Creating separation to do so with his low end athleticism will add an additional struggle to that.
Player Comparison
Joe Harris. Both share similar size and lack a bit of athleticism with a good build. They are elite shooters and prefer to play off 2 feet. Both can make plays for others out of PNR but are likely better off ball. Both are above average defenders that utilize their physicality and IQ to keep players in front. High motor guys as well. The ceiling is probably along the Desmond Bane trajectory.
NBA Draft Projection
Late lottery.
© Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
