Kon Knueppel is an American professional basketball player who graduated from high school in Wisconsin to become one of the most discussed rookies in the NBA. Knueppel was subsequently picked fourth by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2025 NBA Draft and was instantly recognized as a top-of-the-league shooter, mature enough to lead past his age, and an all-time high three-point shooter.
He is best described as a scoring guard with a deep range, and as such, he is the new breed of NBA shooters who incorporate fundamentals, spacing awareness, and confidence in the moment of pressure. Along with Cooper Flagg, he is considered one of the brightest rookies in the current NBA scene.
Kon Knueppel Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real Name: | Kon II Knueppel |
| Birth Date: | August 3, 2005 |
| Age: | 20 Years |
| Birthplace: | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States |
| Height: | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Parents: | Kon Sr. and Chari Nordgaard Knueppel |
| Girlfriend: | – |
Early Life
Kon Knueppel II was born on the 3rd of August, 2005, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a city with a strong culture of basketball. He was raised in Wisconsin, where he got into competitive youth basketball at a young age and had a reputation as a disciplined and extremely skilled shooter. The work ethic and the basketball IQ were clear in him long before he got to high school, and these qualities would become the main characteristics of his game.
He studied at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, where he grew at a very rapid pace. Kon Knueppel was an outstanding player who not only produced on the pitch but also led his school in basketball, making him the center of the school basketball program.
In his senior year, he guided Wisconsin Lutheran to a perfect season and state championship, establishing him as one of the best prep players in the nation. His play earned him the prestigious award of Wisconsin Mr. Basketball in 2024, which put him squarely on the national recruiting map.
Kon Knueppel Career
Upon leaving high school, Kon Knueppel joined the Duke Blue Devils, which was one of the most renowned college basketball teams. In the spotlight that comes with playing Duke basketball, he did not disappoint. However, during the 2024-2025 NCAA season, Knueppel played all games in Duke, which showed maturity and consistency uncharacteristic of a freshman.
He recorded an average of 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game and had excellent shooting percentages that demonstrated his ability and accuracy. His postseason performances were so impressive that they won him the ACC Tournament MVP and the Second-Team All-ACC, which only enhanced his draft value.
The wave was smoothly transferred into the pro scene. The Charlotte Hornets, in the 2025 NBA Draft, used the fourth pick to take Knueppel, indicating that they thought he would become a cornerstone of the franchise.
That decision was soon confirmed by his rookie season. Knueppel made history and became the fastest player to hit 100 career three-pointers, and he did it in only 29 games—a record that automatically put him in some of the elite company.
His offensive contribution was not limited to shooting as a rookie. His deep range had to be respected by defenders and created driving lanes where teammates could advance, and enhanced floor spacing.
Coaches complimented his calmness, and analysts emphasized how he smoothly went through college and into the NBA. By mid-season, Kon Knueppel was not considered the solution of a promising prospect but one of the most efficient young scorers in the league.
Personal Life
According to the most recent publicly available data, Kon Knueppel has not affirmed that he is in a long-term romantic relationship. Although sporadic social media conjecture has been present throughout his career, he named Lauren Wigley. Knueppel has mostly maintained his own personal and love life as confidential, preferring his performance on court to play out his story in the public literature.
Social Media Presence
Kon Knueppel has a developing digital presence, mainly on Instagram, where he is known as @kon2knueppel and has more than 138,000 followers. His material is a perfect blend of career accomplishments, game highs, behind-the-scenes NBA, and training videos, as well as personal insights into life as a young professional athlete.
Although he does not overshare, his edited presence is in line with his brand: career-driven, professional, and focused. Brand partnerships and fan engagement are another way his social platforms can be used, particularly since his profile has been on the rise.
Kon Knueppel Net Worth
Kon Knueppel, the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, signed a standard four-year rookie scale contract with the Charlotte Hornets worth about $45.5 million, with the first two years guaranteed and team options for years three and four. His rookie salary starts at roughly $10 million per season and increases each year if the options are exercised.
Off the court, Knueppel secured a multi-year endorsement deal with Jordan Brand, though the financial terms were not made public. Before entering the NBA, he also earned significant income through NIL deals at Duke, partnering with brands like State Farm, Dollar Shave Club, Celsius, and his own merchandise line, with total NIL earnings estimated at $600,000–$700,000.