Knueppel’s stellar ACC performance leaves mark on Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some of the Charlotte Hornets draft picks had never been to the city before.

But Kon Knueppel had a memorable time in Charlotte back in March.

The No. 4 overall pick in the NBA Draft helped guide Duke to the ACC Tournament title at Spectrum Center after the Blue Devils lost star Cooper Flagg to injury in their opening game.

Knueppel was named Tournament MVP, averaging 21 points on 48.7% shooting in the tournament.

Taking on a different role, the freshman then handed the reigns back to Flagg for a Final Four run, while serving as more than a significant sidekick.

“His ability to adapt in real time in that situation is what the NBA is about,” Hornets Executive VP of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson said. “It’s a testimony to his mindset and his character.”

Head Coach Charles Lee went over some of the tournament clips with Knueppel during the draft process.

“In the biggest moments when you need him to step up he’s willing to do it,” Lee said. “There’s a level of humility to do whatever the team needs. But there’s also an internal drive that he knows that he can do it.”

Charlotte’s other draft picks were Liam McNeeley (29), Sion James (33) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (34).

Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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