Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is among the league leaders in a major stat.
Charlotte Hornets rookie forward Kon Knueppel has played at a high level this season, as he is in the Rookie of the Year race.
Knueppel has continued to showcase his value, as he has the second-most three-point field goals made in the NBA with 99, only trailing Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.
This is very impressive, as it means Knueppel is already among the best three-point shooters in the NBA despite it being his rookie season.
Knueppel was drafted by the Hornets with the fourth overall pick in the draft, and he has quickly proven to be one of their best players.
The 20-year-old is averaging 19.4 points per game along with 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He is shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three.
Knueppel is not only scoring, but he has also been very efficient, which is rare for a rookie. His efficiency and scoring volume have been pivotal for Charlotte's offense, where Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball have been inefficient.
While the Hornets have found a building block in Knueppel, they are 9-19 and still amid a rebuild.
Charlotte will have to make a major decision as they build around Knueppel and forward Brandon Miller. Miller is in his third season and has been productive, averaging 18.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, a steal, and 1.1 blocks per game. However, he hasn't been very efficient, shooting 38.3 percent from the floor and 33 percent from deep.
The question mark lies with All-Star guard LaMelo Ball. When on the floor in his career, Ball has been a great player for Charlotte. However, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
This season, Ball is averaging 19.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He is shooting inefficiently, at 39.9 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from behind the arc.
The Hornets could shop Ball at the trade deadline, and commit to building around Knueppel and Miller. Ball is in the second year of a five-year $204 million contract.
While Charlotte has to make a difficult decision on Ball, they know they have a core piece long-term in Knueppel.