Most 3-pointers by a rookie: How Hornets' Kon Knueppel made NBA history by leading league in 3PM
The Hornets' sharpshooting rookie had a historic debut season.
Most 3-pointers by a rookie: How Hornets' Kon Knueppel made NBA history by leading league in 3PM originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Kon Knueppel was always viewed as a high-floor draft prospect thanks to his shooting ability and size.
But the Charlotte Hornets may even be surprised how quickly he became a premiere offensive talent in the NBA. The rookie forward wrapped up his debut regular season on Sunday night, one in which he helped Charlotte improve to Eastern Conference Play-In contention with his sharpshooting abilities. In multiple ways, Knueppel has made both Hornets and NBA history with his shooting from deep in 2025-26 -- and by officially leading the league in 3-pointers made, he's done something no rookie has before.
Here's a look at Knueppel's historic rookie season and how it compares to the best debut shooting performances ever. SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule Most 3-pointers by a rookie in NBA history Knueppel, with 273 shots made from deep this season, has blown past the rookie record for 3-pointers made. It was previously held by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings in 2022-23.
Player Team Season 3PM Kon Knueppel Hornets 2025-26 273 Keegan Murray Kings 2022-23 206 Donovan Mitchell Jazz 2017-18 187 Damian Lillard Trail Blazers 2012-13 185 Brandon Miller Hornets 2023-24 184 MORE: Cases for and against every MVP candidate NBA 2025-26 3-pointers made leaders That wasn't the only way that Knueppel made shooting history. His 273 3-pointers made also officially led the entire NBA, barely besting his teammate, LaMelo Ball, who had 272. Knueppel became the first rookie to ever lead the league in total 3-pointers made.