"Really Got the Future President": Fans React as Kon Knueppel's Mom Chari Nordgaard Knueppel Hosts LaMelo Ball and Hornets at her Home

LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets visited Kon Knueppel’s house in Milwaukee on Friday ahead of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The rookie’s mother shared a photo of the team together on X, expressing her excitement about hosting the NBA stars in their house. Ball, who wore a bright red shirt, stood out in the picture.

Fans promptly reacted to the photo, particularly with Ball in the middle of the gathering:

"Y’all really got the future president in your house."

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A fan referring to Ball as the “future president” was not surprising. On Thursday, Minnesota Timberwolves insider Jon Krawczynski reported a key reason why the T-Wolves picked Anthony Edwards over Ball in 2020. According to Krawczynski, Ball told team executives that he wanted to be the US president after retiring from basketball.

In 2020, the Timberwolves had the No. 1 pick, which they used on Edwards, the former Georgia star. James Wiseman went to the Golden State Warriors at No. 2. The Charlotte Hornets grabbed LaMelo Ball with the third pick.

Ball was electric in his rookie campaign. He played just 51 games, but it was enough to earn him the Rookie of the Year honors over Edwards. Charlotte seemed to have found its franchise cornerstone.

LaMelo Ball had an All-Star season in his sophomore year, but injuries have hounded him. Over the previous three seasons, he has played in just 105 out of 246 games due to nagging ankle issues. The same injury that has bothered him surfaced yet again this season, limiting him to six games.

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Kon Knueppel has starred for Hornets amid LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller's injuries

Brandon Miller has played just two games this season due to a shoulder injury. LaMelo Ball has appeared in just six games after his surgically repaired ankle has caused problems again. Without their two best and most versatile scorers, Kon Knueppel has stepped up.

In front of family and friends on Friday, the rookie delivered 32 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Together with Miles Bridges, they kept the Hornets in the game before losing 147-134 in overtime. Knueppel drained the 3-pointer that sent the game into extra time.

Over the last five games, the former Duke sharpshooter is averaging 23.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Knueppel is hitting 47.0% of his shots, including 37.0% from deep.

With uncertainty surrounding LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, Hornets coach Charles Lee is leaning more on Kon Knueppel to keep the team afloat.

Edited by Michael Macasero