𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵: 𝗞𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗡𝗕𝗔 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿

Brotherhood Draft Watch: Kon Knueppel’s Stock Rising Fast, New Suitors Emerge

The NBA Draft season is reaching a fever pitch, and few names are generating as much quiet intrigue and behind-the-scenes buzz as Duke’s sharpshooting freshman, Kon Knueppel.

Once projected to go outside the top ten, Knueppel has steadily climbed the boards as teams grow increasingly enamored with his unique blend of skill, shooting touch, and high-IQ basketball. And while the usual pre-draft smokescreens and strategic misinformation swirl around prospects like a summer storm, there’s one thing that’s becoming clearer by the day: Knueppel’s stock is on the rise.

In the latest twist, two lottery teams—Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz—are reportedly giving serious consideration to selecting Knueppel with their top-five picks. The Hornets hold the No. 4 selection, while the Jazz pick right behind at No. 5. That kind of positioning means Knueppel, once considered a mid-late first rounder, could now hear his name called in the top five—a meteoric rise that very few saw coming earlier in the season.

There’s even been whispers out of Philadelphia that the 76ers, holding the No. 3 pick, are at least entertaining the idea of bringing Knueppel in. That scenario might seem unlikely at first glance, but with pre-draft workouts underway and team boards shifting rapidly, nothing is off the table. If Philadelphia does pull the trigger, there’s even the exciting potential of a reunion between Knueppel and fellow Blue Devil Jared McCain, who has been the subject of recent trade rumors himself.

Still, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s gamesmanship. Every June, front offices leak selective information in hopes of influencing other teams, nudging prospects into more favorable ranges, or hiding their true targets. For Knueppel, that means that while all the chatter may not translate into action on draft night, the very fact that his name is being mentioned among top-five conversations speaks volumes about how far he’s come in just one season at Duke.

From a team fit perspective, there are pros and cons for each destination.

Charlotte offers a local connection. Playing just a couple of hours from Duke would mean a relatively smooth transition and a supportive regional fan base already familiar with his game. However, organizational stability has long been a concern for the Hornets, and some question whether it’s the best place for a young guard to fully develop his game.

Utah, on the other hand, has built a reputation for stability, long-term planning, and maximizing talent. A potential pairing with former Duke big man Kyle Filipowski could create a unique synergy—reuniting two high-IQ players who know how to share the floor and elevate their teammates. With a solid coaching staff and clear direction, Utah might just be the ideal incubator for Knueppel to grow into a legitimate NBA star.

No matter where he lands, one thing is certain: Kon Knueppel is no longer flying under the radar. NBA front offices are recognizing what Duke fans have known for months—this kid can shoot the lights out, make the right reads, and control the pace of a game like a seasoned pro.

From rising through mock drafts to landing workouts with lottery teams, Knueppel’s NBA journey is heating up, and draft night is shaping up to be far more interesting with his name in the top-five mix. Whether it’s Philly, Charlotte, or Utah, a new chapter in his story is about to begin—and the league is officially on notice.