The NBA Rookie of the Year could be a Duke Blue Devils star not named Cooper Flagg.
That’s how good Kon Knueppel is playing for the Charlotte Hornets.
And in the process, Knueppel is threatening a remarkable NBA record.
Magic Johnson currently holds the record for true shooting percentage in a rookie season by a non-big, at 60%.
Knueppel is true shooting 61% right now.
Highest true shooting percentage by rookie non-bigs in NBA history:
1. Kon Knueppel 61%
2. Magic Johnson 60%
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) December 5, 2025
MORE: LeBron James’ 10-point streak ends in the most LeBron James way possible
True shooting percentage accounts for the fact that 3-pointers are more valuable than 2-pointers.
Knueppel is shooting 40.7% from 3-point range on strong volume.
Overall, the 6-foot-6 guard is averaging 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
He’s been everything the Hornets hoped for and more when they chose him No. 4 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
If he keeps shooting like this, Knueppel will have an incredible NBA career.
More news:
