The Charlotte Hornets may have their franchise face in LaMelo Ball , but in the 2025-26 season, no player has injected more urgency and competitive edge into the organization than rookie Kon Knueppel .
After the Duke stud recently became the only player 22 or under in league history to hit 250 three-pointers in a single season, he is earning praise from all directions.
His rise on the big stage has been so impressive that even former NBA champion Jeff Teague felt compelled to praise Kon, who went as far as to declare him a talent he would instantly pick over Austin Reaves .
For years, the Hornets were viewed as the embodiment of mediocrity - a team that was ruled out of the playoff race even before the regular season reached its final stretch.
But Knueppel has shifted that narrative dramatically. Averaging 19.1 points per game on 43.8 percent shooting from the three-point line, he has almost single-handedly elevated the team's scoring prowess while only attempting the fourth-highest (on the team) field goals per contest.
That highlights how Knueppel has spent much time off the ball, created spaces for himself and knocked down big-time shots whenever the team has needed him most. Moreover, Knueppel's production has played a huge role in helping the Hornets become the fourth-best offensive unit in the league.
Reaves, meanwhile, has been sensational for the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the 2025-26 season, as evidenced by his averaging 23.6 points per game on nearly 50 percent shooting from the field.
His ascension hasn't just prompted LeBron James to embrace the number three option for the team, but has also helped the Lakers to fight hard to occupy the third seed in the intensely competitive Western Conference.
Yet despite AR's superior numbers, Teague confidently stated he would choose Knueppel over the 27-year-old Lakers star, arguing that the rookie's efficiency operates on an entirely different level.
"He's arguably the best White American Basketball player in the league. Him and Austin Reaves . I would probably take him over Austin Reaves, " Teague said on his podcast.
"Cooper Flagg is good, but he's not like this. Not efficient like this. If you put Kon Knueppel on Dallas, he'd still be good. Obviously, Cooper Flagg will be good on the Hornets, but I don't think they'd be winning like that."
Of course, Teague is entitled to his opinion, but the broader context matters. The environment in which Knueppel and Reaves are playing is two entirely different spectacles. While Kon can have his off night without any pressure, AR is expected to be at his "A" game every night.
Additionally, despite the scrutiny and criticism Reaves experiences after the Lakers experience a bad phase, he hasn't let his confidence down and has continued to be the team's "Robin" behind Luka Doncic .
On certain nights when Luka is sidelined, or LeBron isn't at his best, Reaves not only has the capability to score game-high points but can make game-changing plays at an incredibly high rate.
So, while there is no denying that Knueppel is indeed an impressive talent, he still has a long way to catch up to "Hillbilly Kobe," who has worked immensely hard to become a fan favorite in Hollywood.
Related: "That's an art" - LeBron James on the most underrated part of Austin Reaves' game
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
