Kon Knueppel breaks Hornets record, boosts NBA Rookie of the Year case
Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel continues to state his case to be the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets continues to make his case to be the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year. Knueppel, who has played a key role in helping the Hornets secure a postseason spot, scored 20 points and went 4-of-9 from the 3-point line in 33 minutes as the Hornets beat the Phoenix Suns 127-107 on April 2. The rookie also added his name to the Hornets’ history books, setting a new franchise record for the most 3-pointers made in a single season with 261.
Kemba Walker had set the record with 260 during the 2018-19 season. Knueppel’s teammate LaMelo Ball also reached the top five for the franchise, with 243 3-pointers made this season, tying Jason Richardson (2007-08). KON BROKE KEMBA'S HORNET FRANCHISE 3PT RECORD IN HIS ROOKIE SEASON 🔥 pic.
twitter. com/pUA6qGRgFB — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 3, 2026 Hornets coach Charles Lee was among those who celebrated Knueppel's latest accomplishment. Lee was seen pouring water over the rookie's head before his postgame press conference.
#Hornets coach Charles Lee waits out Kon Knueppel to enter his postgame session and douses him with water to celebrate him setting the team’s single-season 3PT record pic. twitter. com/ZTOBPS5E8K — Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) April 3, 2026 Knueppel has been in the conversation for the Rookie of the Year award throughout the season, alongside former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks.