NBA history might as well be Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel's middle name.
Another day, another NBA history moment for Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel.
In the Hornets' win against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, Knueppel broke the NBA rookie record for most 3-pointers made in a season, passing Sacramento Kings wing Keegan Murray.
Knueppel leads the NBA in made 3-pointers. He's undoubtedly one of the best shooters in the league and the Hornets must count their blessings every day that the Duke product is on their team.
In 59 games for Charlotte this season, Knueppel is averaging 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 49.1% from the field, 44.2% from beyond the arc and 89.3% from the free-throw line. The rookie is second on the team in points per game, trailing only Brandon Miller.
"It's really just about making the right basketball play," Knueppel said after the Hornets beat the Pacers. "My teammates are setting good screens and setting me up in good spots. The coaches as well. I'm just out there looking to make the right play for my team."
Knueppel had received praise from some of the best players in the NBA this season, headlined by Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell and the greatest shooter of all time, Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry.
"He can obviously shoot the ball at a high level," Curry said about Knueppel. "You can't really leave him open at all as he has such a quick release and shoots with confidence. And his playmaking is very underrated. His game just suits the NBA style, whether it's fast-paced or a slowed-down possession game."
"He's talented," Mitchell said of Knueppel. "For him to be a rookie and be able to go out there and make it look effortless. ... We know he can shoot the ball, right? But I think him getting to the midrange and play-develop in the small pick-and-roll that is something I think is really unique about his game is being able to do that and create advantages for himself."
With Knueppel in the fold next to Miller and LaMelo Ball, the Hornets have a bright future for the first time in a long, long time.
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