Kon Knueppel Injury Update: Hornets Coach Shares Rookie Pushing for Bucks Clash Despite Lingering Ankle Issue

Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee on Sunday said that rookie Kon Knueppel is day-to-day after he suffered a right ankle injury late in the first half of Charlotte’s game against the Orlando Magic on Friday. Lee added that the former Duke star is pushing to feature against the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Monday.

Knueppel twisted his right ankle while he went for a rebound and then came down awkwardly on a teammate, Moussa Diabate’s foot. He stayed down on the court and was visibly in pain, where he was helped to the locker room. He had an X-ray conducted after the game, which came back negative.

"Kon (Knueppel), he is an insane competitor,” Lee said. “He wants to come back today for practice. As of right now, it's a right ankle sprain and we'll work day-to-day to see how he responds to treatment."

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

He was in Myrtle Beach Sunday evening to watch his three brothers play for Wisconsin Lutheran at the annual Beach Ball Classic high school basketball tournament. The 2025 Summer League championship MVP appeared to be walking normally without support, a boot or crutches.

Kon Knueppel was selected with the fourth pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Hornets and has been one of their better performers this season. He ended the game against the Magic with 16 points, three rebounds and a single assist and as one of the front-runners for Rookie of the Year, he is averaging 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game for the 11-20 Hornets.

---

Kon Knueppel makes NBA history as the fastest player to reach 100 made 3-point shots

Kon Knueppel made league history on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers by becoming the fastest player to reach 100 3-point shots. He achieved the record in his 29th game, 12 games faster than the previous holder Lauri Markkanen, who set his during the 2017-18 season.

Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (7) shoots a three point shot during the second half against the Washington Wizards at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

The Hornets, however, lost the game 139-132 on the road. He finished with 20 points, one rebound and two assists.

Edited by Ubong Richard