Former Duke star Kon Knueppel on tanking: 'Losing is never okay'
Former Blue Devil Kon Knueppel spoke about Charlotte's breakout season, crediting his team for their desire to win despite a slow start to the year.
The Charlotte Hornets are enjoying their best season since the 2015-16 campaign, the last year that the franchise made the playoffs. With two regular season games remaining, the Hornets have totaled 43 wins, tying their second-best mark in the last 10 seasons. Former Duke Blue Devil Kon Knueppel has played a large role in Charlotte's success, as the franchise works tirelessly to establish a new culture.
Knueppel spoke to the Charlotte Observer recently about his mindset and desire to win, despite the Hornets' slow start to begin the season. "I remember talking to [Jeff Peterson] when we were 4-14," he said. "It's like, losing is never okay.
As a player, most players feel that way. Some teams would have just packed it up and been like, 'All right, we're tanking the rest of the year. ' And we didn't.
" Since then, Charlotte went on a tremendous run before the All-Star break and has now won 11 of their last 15 games as they eye a postseason berth. The final two games of the regular season will determine if Charlotte gets in as a top-six seed or a Play-In Tournament team. Knueppel and the Hornets will return to action Friday against the Pistons before finishing the regular season Sunday against the Knicks.