Why Kon Knueppel Is More Than Just Another Luke Kennard: The NBA’s Next Underrated Star in the Making
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, much of the spotlight naturally shines on Duke’s generational forward Cooper Flagg. The projected No. 1 overall pick has captured headlines for months, drawing comparisons to NBA greats and locking himself in as the Dallas Mavericks’ likely franchise-changing selection. However, another Blue Devil quietly building buzz is rising guard Kon Knueppel — and many believe he might be the draft’s biggest sleeper.
For months, draft analysts have wrestled with how to evaluate Knueppel’s NBA ceiling. Some have quickly stamped him with the lazy label of “another Luke Kennard,” citing similarities like race, college, position, and shooting ability. But this comparison fails to capture the true depth of Knueppel’s game and the unique skill set he brings to the next level.
Kon Knueppel is not Luke Kennard 2.0 — and soon, the league will find that out.
Dominating as a Freshman: Knueppel’s Breakout at Duke
At just 19 years old, Knueppel delivered an outstanding freshman campaign that solidified his lottery projection. Despite playing alongside stars like Cooper Flagg and elite center prospect Khaman Maluach, Knueppel carved out his own starring role, eventually being named ACC Tournament MVP after leading Duke to the conference title.
Over the full season, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points per game while posting a ridiculous 64.2 percent true shooting percentage. These efficiency numbers were no fluke. His smooth, consistent shooting stroke became his calling card, but his offensive versatility set him apart from traditional catch-and-shoot specialists.
Knueppel knocked down 40.6 percent of his three-point attempts while also converting an astonishing 91.4 percent from the free-throw line. That combination of outside shooting touch and free-throw consistency indicates a shooter whose mechanics are fundamentally elite.
Yet his game extends far beyond just knocking down open looks.
The Complete Offensive Package: Why Knueppel Is Built for the Modern NBA
One of the biggest misconceptions about Kon Knueppel is that his game starts and stops with shooting. In reality, his skill set is far more well-rounded.
Knueppel is an advanced ball-handler for a non-point guard, capable of initiating offense and creating his own shot off the dribble. His ability to operate pick-and-rolls, find open teammates, and limit turnovers reveals a high basketball IQ well beyond his years. In fact, his assist-to-turnover ratio nearly doubled during his freshman season — an elite mark for a wing prospect.
He isn’t just a catch-and-shoot sniper standing in the corner. Knueppel moves exceptionally well without the ball, utilizing screens, cuts, and off-ball movement to free himself for open looks. That combination of off-ball savvy and shooting touch allows him to fit seamlessly into any modern NBA offense.
Where Knueppel truly separates himself from one-dimensional shooters is his interior scoring efficiency. He converted 56.7 percent of his two-point field goals and an impressive 62 percent at the rim in half-court situations. That finishing touch, paired with his strength and footwork, makes him a legitimate three-level scoring threat.
Addressing the Athleticism Concerns
Critics of Knueppel’s NBA upside often point to his athletic profile. He doesn’t possess elite burst or vertical explosiveness by league standards. His wingspan, measured at just 6-foot-6, is relatively average for his position, limiting some defensive upside.
However, what Knueppel may lack in raw athleticism, he compensates for with strength, balance, and elite fundamentals. Weighing nearly 220 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, his sturdy frame allows him to absorb contact and remain mechanically sound in his shooting form under pressure.
Defensively, Knueppel likely won’t lock down opposing stars one-on-one, but his competitiveness, physicality, and understanding of defensive schemes help him excel as a team defender. He consistently positions himself correctly, rotates on time, and rarely finds himself out of place on the floor.
A Higher Ceiling Than Kennard
While Luke Kennard has enjoyed a solid NBA career as a sharpshooting role player, Kon Knueppel’s ceiling may extend far beyond that level. Kennard rarely developed much as a shot creator or playmaker, while Knueppel has already flashed advanced ball-handling, passing, and self-creation skills.
If Knueppel continues to expand his pull-up shooting and on-ball creation, there’s a clear path for him to evolve into a 20-point-per-game scorer in the NBA. His advanced feel for the game, polished offensive repertoire, and ability to thrive in multiple offensive roles make him one of the most intriguing long-term prospects in this draft class.
In many ways, Knueppel is more comparable to modern offensive wings like Desmond Bane or even a younger Khris Middleton than a pure specialist like Kennard.
The NBA Future Awaits
With Cooper Flagg dominating headlines and Khaman Maluach turning heads with his incredible measurables, Knueppel remains somewhat hidden in the Duke draft spotlight. But smart teams and front offices across the league are taking notice.
In a league increasingly dependent on efficient shooting, positional versatility, and high basketball IQ, Knueppel checks nearly every box. His ability to play on or off the ball, create for others, and shoot with elite consistency makes him one of the safest floor picks — with a far higher ceiling than many realize.
The 2025 NBA Draft may soon reveal Kon Knueppel as one of its biggest steals — and officially put to rest the tired Luke Kennard comparisons.
Stay locked in with TrendySoccerNews.com for full 2025 NBA Draft coverage, exclusive player breakdowns, and the latest buzz surrounding the NBA’s next generation of stars.
Leave a Reply