Hornets teammates pull up in Kon Knueppel SLAM shirts and it says everything

It’s one thing to get your own SLAM Magazine cover. It’s another thing when your teammates make it a moment.

That’s exactly what happened for Kon Knueppel, as several Charlotte Hornets players showed up wearing shirts with his cover printed on them before a big matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Not planned. Not forced. Just real.

And it came on a night that matched the moment.

Some of Kon Kneuppel's teammates pulled up in shirts with his SLAM cover on them 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AehT7FgtGE

Against Philadelphia, he finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists in a win. That stat line alone tells you how much he is impacting the game already. Not just scoring, but doing a little bit of everything.

And it’s not a one-off.

Over his last few games, Knueppel has been on a run:

• 26 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists vs 76ers

• 14 points, 4 assists vs Kings

• 9 points, 5 assists vs Grizzlies

• 17 points, 6 rebounds vs Magic

• 22 points vs Heat

He is hovering around 19 points per game on the season while shooting efficiently across the board, including elite numbers from three. For a rookie, that kind of consistency is rare.

More: Lakers' LeBron James, Bronny James accomplish NBA first

More than stats, it’s trust

That part started back at Duke Blue Devils, where he built a reputation as someone who just plays the right way. No forcing. No extra noise. Just steady basketball that helps teams win. That has carried over immediately.

And moments like this, teammates showing up in his SLAM cover shirts before a big game, they don’t happen unless a locker room fully buys in. They trust him. They believe in him. They see how he plays.

The SLAM cover is the headline. The shirts made it a team moment. And the performance against Philadelphia made it clear this is not hype. Kon Knueppel is already delivering. The playoffs are coming, and the Hornets, with Kon leading the way could be a sleeping giant.

More NBA news: 

• Ja Morant won't play for Grizzlies this season, or perhaps ever again
• Victor Wembanyama makes strong case for why he should win NBA MVP award
• Kevin Durant had 4-word reaction to passing Michael Jordan on NBA all-time scoring list
• LeBron James breaks NBA record for most games played
• Bucks owner says team has just two options regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo