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Kon Knueppel was always viewed as a high-floor draft prospect thanks to his shooting ability and size. But the Charlotte Hornets may even be surprised how quickly he became a premiere offensive talent in the NBA.
The rookie forward wrapped up his debut regular season on Sunday night, one in which he helped Charlotte improve to Eastern Conference Play-In contention with his sharpshooting abilities.
In multiple ways, Knueppel has made both Hornets and NBA history with his shooting from deep in 2025-26 -- and by officially leading the league in 3-pointers made, he's done something no rookie has before.
Here's a look at Knueppel's historic rookie season and how it compares to the best debut shooting performances ever.
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Most 3-pointers by a rookie in NBA history
Knueppel, with 273 shots made from deep this season, has blown past the rookie record for 3-pointers made. It was previously held by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings in 2022-23.
| Player | Team | Season | 3PM |
| Kon Knueppel | Hornets | 2025-26 | 273 |
| Keegan Murray | Kings | 2022-23 | 206 |
| Donovan Mitchell | Jazz | 2017-18 | 187 |
| Damian Lillard | Trail Blazers | 2012-13 | 185 |
| Brandon Miller | Hornets | 2023-24 | 184 |
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NBA 2025-26 3-pointers made leaders
That wasn't the only way that Knueppel made shooting history.
His 273 3-pointers made also officially led the entire NBA, barely besting his teammate, LaMelo Ball, who had 272. Knueppel became the first rookie to ever lead the league in total 3-pointers made.
Kon Knueppel is the only rookie in NBA history to lead the league in 3-pointers made 👏 pic.twitter.com/yPyGfyU9wq
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 13, 2026With each making over 270 threes this season, Knueppel and Ball became the first teammates to do that since Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the 2022-23 Warriors.
KON WINS NBA 3PT RACE OVER LAMELO BY ONE THREE 🤯
LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel are the first duo with 270+ threes each in a season since Steph and Klay 😳 pic.twitter.com/RReU3h3uJH
On the season, Knueppel finished with averages of 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. By clearing the 15-point and 5-rebound thresholds while shooting at least 40% from 3-point range, Knueppel joined elite rookie company:
There are three rookies in NBA history who averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 40% from 3-point range for the season.
Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Kon Knueppel.
Here's a look at the leaders in total 3PM this NBA season:
| Player | Team | 3PM |
| Kon Knueppel | Hornets | 273 |
| LaMelo Ball | Hornets | 272 |
| Luka Doncic | Lakers | 254 |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Hawks | 251 |
| Jamal Murray | Nuggets | 245 |
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