The Charlotte Hornets have had an incredible Summer time League marketing campaign, with quite a lot of their younger gamers impressing.
They went undefeated all through the match and are set to play the Summer time League Ultimate in opposition to the Sacramento Kings.
They confronted an OKC Thunder facet that had been additionally unbeaten within the Semis. Nonetheless, the Charlotte Hornets pulled off a convincing 109-80 win on the night time.
Jaylen Sims led the way in which for the Hornets as he scored 25 factors on 71.4% capturing from the sector.
Nevertheless it was one thing that Kon Knueppel did that left Hornets followers amazed.
Knueppel was all the time going to have eyes on him as he was the fourth choose within the 2025 NBA Draft.
He impressed everybody along with his Summer time League performances as he averaged 14.3 factors and displayed quite a lot of grit for the workforce.
One of many largest examples of how a lot Knueppel cares about successful got here within the semifinal in opposition to the Thunder.
The 19-year-old had already scored 17 factors and the Hornets had a snug 26-point lead. However Knueppel jumped for a free ball and on that play damage his head, which led to him being taken out of the sport.
It isn’t nice that Knueppel suffered an harm, however that exhibits how dedicated he’s to successful.
The Hornets haven’t had any success lately, however the addition of Knueppel has introduced quite a lot of hope to the group.
The Duke participant revealed how Klay Thompson’s legacy impressed him not too long ago.
Just like the four-time champion, Knueppel has been an excellent shooter all through his stint in faculty and if he manages to proceed the identical within the NBA, the Hornets may need simply added a proficient two-way participant to their roster.
Knueppel’s Summer time League performances have impressed even the Hornets Summer time League coach Chris Jent.
He revealed Knueppel was nervous within the first sport, however has since come into his personal and is exhibiting his true talents.
Jent mentioned: “He’s simply enjoying extra snug. He’s snug now. First sport, a bit of nervous, it’s the primary sport of Summer time League.
He’s a rookie, it’s to be anticipated. Now he simply discovered a little bit of a rhythm and circulation, and it’s solely going to get higher.”
Knueppel already spoke on his pleasure to play alongside the opposite gamers on the Hornets.
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges are the workforce’s core three gamers. However Knueppel can actually convey dynamism to the workforce when it comes to his capturing and defensive prowess.
