ESPN’s Most Recent Mock Draft Unveils Kon Knueppel’s Surprising NBA Team

Duke guard Kon Knueppel wrapped up his freshman champaign as one of the NCAA’s most promising NBA prospects.

 

The 6-foot-7 Blue Devils starter posted impressive numbers, averaging 14.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc.

 

Following his declaration for the 2024 NBA Draft in June, several mock drafts project the Milwaukee native as a potential lottery pick.

Here’s where experts predict he might land:

 

ESPN: No. 8 overall to the Brooklyn Nets

Bleacher Report: No. 8 overall to the Brooklyn Nets

Yahoo Sports: No. 5 overall to the Utah Jazz

 

Both ESPN and Bleacher Report surprisingly have Knueppel going to the Nets at the 8th spot. With Brooklyn holding their own first-round pick for the first time in four years, they may look to invest in a versatile scorer like Knueppel, especially given their need for offensive firepower at a manageable cost.

 

While no other major outlets currently predict Knueppel to Brooklyn, the possibility has gained traction after the Nets fell from No. 6 to No. 8 in the lottery.

 

Brooklyn’s current roster features veterans like D’Angelo Russell and Cameron Johnson, along with younger players such as Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton.

 

ESPN’s analysis highlights Knueppel’s “reliable offensive play and elite shooting” as foundational assets for a rebuilding team. League insiders also praise his scoring and playmaking potential as key strengths.

 

If the Nets draft Knueppel, he could help revitalize their offense currently ranked last in the NBA with an average of 105.1 points per game, according to Fox Sports’ efficiency rankings.