In a remarkable display of long-range marksmanship, Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has etched his name into the NBA record books, surpassing Keegan Murray’s rookie record for 3-pointers made in a single season.
Rookie Sensation Kon Knueppel Shatters NBA 3-Point Record
Kon Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick from Duke in the 2025 NBA Draft, has taken the league by storm, breaking Keegan Murray’s NBA rookie record for 3-pointers in a season on Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers.
Knueppel made his 207th 3-pointer of the season in the third quarter, surpassing Murray’s record of 206 set in the 2022-23 season in just 59 games, compared to Murray’s 80 games.
The 19-year-old swingman finished the game with 28 points, shooting an impressive 8-of-12 from beyond the arc, as the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Pacers 133-109.
‘He can obviously shoot the ball at a high level,’ Curry said after a recent game against the Hornets. ‘You can’t really leave him open at all as he has such a quick release and shoots with confidence. And his playmaking is very underrated. His game just suits the NBA style, whether it’s fast-paced or a slowed-down possession game,’ noted by AP News.
Through 59 games, Knueppel has racked up 1,146 points while attempting 473 3-pointers, showcasing his prolific scoring ability.
The Rise of a Sharpshooting Phenom
Knueppel currently leads the NBA with 209 3-pointers made this season and is shooting an impressive 44.2% from long range.
The rookie phenom has been a perfect fit in second-year coach Charles Lee’s offense alongside playmaker LaMelo Ball, using his basketball IQ to find open spots on the floor – a skill he attributes to playing in his father’s men’s league against taller competition beginning as an eighth grader growing up in Milwaukee.
Knueppel has thrived as a catch-and-shoot player, with 93% of his 3-pointers this season coming off assists entering Thursday night’s game, according to Cleaning the Glass. His 206 assists showcase his court vision and unselfishness.
Knueppel’s Prolific Shooting Ignites Playoff Push
Knueppel’s remarkable rookie season has propelled the long-suffering Hornets into playoff contention with 22 games left, as the team has not made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.
He is considered a strong contender for NBA Rookie of the Year alongside his former college teammate and roommate Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick of the Dallas Mavericks.
His shooting percentage has turned heads across the league, including from Stephen Curry, the NBA’s career leader in 3-pointers, who made 166 3-pointers on 43.7% shooting as a rookie in 2009-10. Knueppel’s 164 plus-minus rating reflects his immense impact on the Hornets’ success this year.
Chasing Greatness: A Rookie’s Pursuit of Curry’s Crown
While Knueppel has already surpassed one of Curry’s rookie records, the Golden State Warriors superstar still holds the single-season NBA record with 402 3-pointers made during the 2015-16 season.
As the Hornets make their playoff push, all eyes will be on Knueppel to see if he can continue his torrid shooting pace and potentially challenge Curry’s hallowed mark.
With his effortless stroke and fearless mentality, the Milwaukee native has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in the league, captivating fans with his long-range prowess. Knueppel’s 320 total rebounds and 151 made free throws demonstrate his well-rounded game beyond just shooting.
