What happened: Kon Knueppel averaged 18.5 points per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 42.5% from three. No NBA rookie has made more threes in a season.
Why it matters: The combination of volume and efficiency gives the Charlotte Hornets a proven perimeter scorer for the upcoming 2026-27 season. His record-setting debut also establishes a high benchmark for his second year.
By the numbers: Knueppel’s field-goal percentage exceeded his 3-point percentage by 5.0 points.
What to watch: Year 2 will show whether Knueppel can sustain that shooting efficiency as his role develops.