A Historic Debut for Kon Knueppel
Kon Knueppel was always seen as a high-floor draft prospect due to his shooting ability and physical attributes. However, the Charlotte Hornets might not have anticipated just how quickly he would become a premier offensive player in the NBA. The rookie forward concluded his debut regular season on Sunday night, contributing significantly to Charlotte’s push for Eastern Conference Play-In contention with his exceptional shooting skills.
Knueppel has made history in multiple ways during the 2025-26 season, particularly with his three-point shooting. By officially leading the league in three-pointers made, he has achieved something no rookie has done before.
Most 3-Pointers by a Rookie in NBA History
Knueppel’s impressive season saw him make 273 three-point shots, surpassing the previous rookie record of 206 set by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings in the 2022-23 season. Here is a look at the top performers:
| Player | Team | Season | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kon Knueppel | Hornets | 2025-26 | 273 |
| Keegan Murray | Kings | 2022-23 | 206 |
| Donovan Mitchell | Jazz | 2017-18 | 187 |
| Damian Lillard | Trail Blazers | 2012-13 | 185 |
| Brandon Miller | Hornets | 2023-24 | 184 |
A New Chapter in NBA Shooting History
Knueppel’s 273 three-pointers also placed him at the top of the entire NBA in terms of three-pointers made. He narrowly edged out his teammate LaMelo Ball, who recorded 272. This achievement made Knueppel the first rookie to ever lead the league in total three-pointers made.
With both players exceeding 270 three-pointers this season, Knueppel and Ball became the first teammates to achieve this feat since Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson during the 2022-23 season with the Warriors.
Performance Stats and Recognition
Throughout the season, Knueppel averaged 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. By consistently scoring over 15 points and grabbing at least five rebounds while shooting at least 40% from three-point range, Knueppel joined an elite group of rookie performers.
Here is a list of the leaders in total three-pointers made this NBA season:
| Player | Team | 3PM |
|---|---|---|
| Kon Knueppel | Hornets | 273 |
| LaMelo Ball | Hornets | 272 |
| Luka Doncic | Lakers | 254 |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Hawks | 251 |
| Jamal Murray | Nuggets | 245 |
Conclusion
Kon Knueppel’s rookie season has been nothing short of historic. His performance not only broke records but also set new benchmarks for future rookies. As the Charlotte Hornets continue to build their team, Knueppel’s contributions have already made a significant impact on the NBA landscape. His achievements highlight the potential of young talent and the evolving nature of the game.
