{"id":159421,"date":"2025-09-19T08:57:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T12:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=159421"},"modified":"2025-10-30T22:29:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T02:29:14","slug":"charlotte-hornets-one-expectation-each-rookie-2025-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/09\/19\/charlotte-hornets-one-expectation-each-rookie-2025-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Charlotte Hornets: Expectations For Each Rookie In 2025-26"},"content":{"rendered":"

Similar to other teams that had a top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets had an incredibly successful draft<\/a>. All four of the rookies that they selected even showcased their potential in the Las Vegas Summer League, a rite of passage for NBA novices. They did so well that they even won the franchise’s first Summer League Championship, with one taking home MVP<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As Charlotte transitions from their rebuild to a team focused on winnings, each of their picks looks like they legitimately have the skills and talent to make a positive impact. However, they have pretty noticeable areas of improvemen, too.<\/p>\n

One Expectation For Each Charlotte Hornets Rookie In 2025-26<\/h2>\n

With the 2025-26 preseason right around the corner, it’s important to set expectations for each of the Hornets rookies.<\/p>\n

Kon Knueppel<\/h3>\n

Expectation: Prove That He Won’t Be A Defensive Liability<\/h4>\n

Using the fourth overall pick, the Hornets selected Duke freshman Kon Knueppel<\/a>. Standing at 6-foot-7, the point-forward performed admirably as a secondary creator and shooter behind eventual Cooper Flagg<\/a>, who’ll now be wearing blue and white<\/a> for the Dallas Mavericks. Considering the role he filled in Durham, he can also provide his new team with efficient three-level scoring and great playmaking.<\/p>\n

Knueppel’s offensive upside was on full display at Summer League, particularly when he scored an efficient 19 points during a contest<\/a> against the San Antonio Spurs.<\/p>\n

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Kon Knueppel vs The Spurs NBA SL..<\/p>\n

19 PTS (7-13 FG, 3-8 3PT)
\n6 AST
\n5 REBS
\n2 STLS<\/p>\n

How we feeling aobuu this game so far??? pic.twitter.com\/o89S5uFczZ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n