Duke freshman guard Kon Knueppel is gaining traction as a top-five prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, with the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz eyeing the versatile guard.
Known for his elite shooting, high basketball IQ, and ability to complement stars like Cooper Flagg, Knueppel’s stock is soaring after a stellar freshman season and ACC Tournament MVP performance. With less than a month until draft night, where could the guard end up?
Hornets, Jazz Eye Kon Knueppel as Top-5 NBA Draft Target
Duke’s Kon Knueppel, one of college basketball’s most efficient shooters and versatile wings, is drawing top-five NBA Draft interest from both the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz. With his ability to impact winning alongside star talent, Knueppel’s stock is rapidly rising ahead of draft night.
The Hornets and Jazz are showing interest in drafting Kon Knueppel within the top 5, per @krystenpeek
“Teams like the Utah Jazz (No. 5) and Charlotte Hornets (No. 4) are showing interest in the versatile guard (Kon Knueppel) and like his ability to seamlessly slide in alongside… pic.twitter.com/2WZI0xQZDh
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 4, 2025
According to X account “NBA Central,” NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek revealed some teams picking in the top five might target the Duke freshman.
“Teams like the Utah Jazz (No. 5) and Charlotte Hornets (No. 4) are showing interest in the versatile guard (Kon Knueppel) and like his ability to seamlessly slide in alongside a star, ball-dominant player like Cooper Flagg and still find ways to positively impact the game.”
The buzz around Knueppel follows his impressive freshman season at Duke, during which he averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game and shot 40.6% from 3-point range.
Knueppel’s ability to excel as an off-ball shooter and secondary playmaker makes him a low-maintenance, plug-and-play option in any lineup.
As Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst, notes, “His ability to play a key role without dominating the ball adds valuable versatility.”
What sets Knueppel apart is his poise in big moments. He was named ACC Tournament MVP after averaging 21 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game during Duke’s title run, including a career-high 28 points and eight assists in the quarterfinals.
Knueppel’s draft stock is buoyed by his reputation as one of the best shooters in the class and his readiness to contribute immediately.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony praised his willingness to assist others.
“On the heels of a remarkably efficient freshman season, Knueppel is receiving long looks in the top five of this draft, with his excellent shooting and overall readiness to contribute offensively creating a strong selling point for front offices.”
His 47.9% field goal percentage and 91.3% from the free-throw line further highlight his offensive polish.
RELATED: Where Will Duke’s Stars Go in the 2025 NBA Draft? Latest Projections For Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel
He can be seen in the eyes of NBA coaches and front office personnel as a “safe pick,” a high-floor player who can make winning plays without requiring the ball to be in his hands. Even Duke’s star Cooper Flagg referred to Knueppel’s intangibles when he praised his former teammate.
“He’s just so solid in so many different ways… There’s not really a lot of downside to taking Kon.”
As the NBA Draft draws nearer, Knueppel is climbing on draft boards, as the Hornets and Jazz are considering him as a top-5 pick. His elite shooting ability, excellent basketball IQ, and track record of stepping up in big moments combine to make him one of the safest and most tantalizing prospects in the class of 2025.
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