Kon Knueppel turned a dialog starter after incomes Summer time League Championship MVP honors.
The fourth total choose within the 2025 NBA Draft delivered 21 factors and 4 three-pointers within the Charlotte Hornets’ 83-78 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Knueppel has established himself as one of many draft’s premier shooters, persevering with to validate that fame all through Summer time League play.
The Duke product has overtly expressed his need to observe Klay Thompson’s path in turning into an elite shooter in addition to two-way guard.
Earlier than claiming MVP honors, Kon Knueppel obtained direct encouragement from Klay Thompson himself.
The Dallas Mavericks guard provided recommendation on sustaining capturing confidence whereas growing defensive abilities, making a mentor-mentee relationship that might profit the rookie’s improvement.
“Simply wished to want you effectively and thanks for the phrases for attempting to mannequin your sport after me. Makes me really feel sort of previous, but in addition very appreciative of nice younger athletes like your self who’re coming to take over the league,” Thompson stated. “By no means lose that confidence that bought you right here, particularly when capturing the basketball.”
Thompson emphasised the significance of two-way play, noting his personal pleasure in defensive capabilities all through his profession.
The veteran guard particularly highlighted how defensive versatility extends participant longevity and total affect on successful basketball.
“I heard you aspire to be a two-way participant and that’s one thing I prided myself on for a very long time and I can nonetheless guard now. Don’t suppose my days of guarding are lengthy gone,” Thompson added, reinforcing the worth of full participant improvement.
Knueppel additionally shared that he’s stealing two facets of Thompson’s sport that he hopes will assist him compete within the NBA.
The rookie recognized Thompson’s capturing base and psychological strategy to off-shooting nights as major areas of research.
This reminds us of the prime Thompson with the Golden State Warriors in the course of the Splash Brother period.
“He has a fairly broad base. So I attempt to have my toes set, makes your shoulders set,” Knueppel defined. “Typically the shot’s not going to go in. And there’s a variety of areas that affect a sport.”
“Typically the shot’s not going to go in. I’m nonetheless going to take each shot that I can get that’s open and that’s an excellent search for us,” he stated, demonstrating the arrogance Thompson referenced in his message.
Knueppel demonstrated his skill to affect successful past scoring throughout Summer time League play. The rookie contributed by way of rebounding, defensive depth, and playmaking when photographs weren’t falling, showcasing the flexibility that attracted Charlotte’s entrance workplace.
His defensive hustle all through the championship run mirrored Thompson’s affect and the two-way strategy he hopes to develop.
“I’m going to chip in, get some extra rebounds, or I’m going to ensure my guys are usually not scoring. I’m defending at a excessive stage or making performs for my teammates,” Knueppel stated, outlining his complete strategy to impacting video games.
Whereas reaching Thompson’s stage stays a big problem, Charlotte seems to have secured a promising two-way expertise who understands what it takes to contribute to successful basketball on the highest stage.