Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Kon Knueppel Draft Projection – Where Will the Sharpshooting Guard Land in the 2025 NBA Draft?

Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Kon Knueppel, a 6’5″ guard/forward from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, emerged as a standout talent at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, leading his team to a flawless 30-0 record and the 2024 Division 2 State Championship. As a senior, he averaged 26.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, earning Wisconsin Mr. Basketball honors. He was rated a five-star recruit by 247 sports and Rivals, Knueppel’s elite shooting and versatility drew offers from top programs before he chose Duke, signing in November 2023.

At Duke, Kuneppel made an immediate impact in the 2024-25 season, averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 40.6 % from deep. His 22 point debut against Maine and ACC Tournament MVP performance, dropping 18 points and 8 rebounds in a title win over Louisville, showcased his clutch scoring and high basketball IQ. Knueppel’s ability to stretch defenses with his 91.4% free-throw accuracy and his shot creation off the dribble makes him one of the top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Kon Knueppel

Plus size for a guard (6’7) ✅
Three level scorer + off ball threat ✅
Footwork ✅
High IQ and feel ✅

An efficient sniper who nearly cracked 50/40/90 this past season. Lethal off the catch-and-shoot. pic.twitter.com/lOtbkY00Y9
— DraftCentral (@draftcentralnet) June 13, 2025

Kon Knueppel’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Kon Knueppel has the potential to be a star in the NBA, but like every prospect, Knueppel has some things that he needs to work as he is still a raw talent coming into the NBA. They are;

Strengths

Elite Shooter who can be a constant Perimeter threat
Posted 47.9% FG, 40.6% from 3-pt Arc, and 91.4 % from the free throw line, fully displaying his efficiency scoring the basketball.
High Basketball IQ
Craft scorer who can put the ball in the hole in multiple ways
3-Level Scorer
Physical toughness and strong build
Court Vision is great for a wing
Has an underrated playmaking ability which is on full display due to his ability to pull multiple defenders in his direction

Weaknesses

Lacks explosiveness
Rarely makes plays above the rim
Limited athleticism
Slow when switching foot to guard quicker guards
Struggles to create space without the help of screens
May become a liability in the defensive end, at the NBA level
Could become heavily reliant on jumpers, if he cannot expand his offensive-repertoire

Kon Knueppel’s Stats at Duke and Accomplishments

Kon Knueppel spent just a year at Duke before declaring for the 2025 NBA draft. He averaged 14.4 points, 0.2 blocks, 1.0 steals, 2.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, on some of the most efficient shooting splits in college basketball history.

kon knueppel's big time pass rate (31.4%) was the highest of any prospect i've tracked so far and that's no accident. he's a special processor on the move

incredible timing on these lob passes and laydowns, he showcases ridiculous vision and placement on these passes pic.twitter.com/o00dqkDiQz
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) June 13, 2025

Kon Knueppel’s accomplishments

Second Team All-ACC (2025)
ACC All-Freshman Team (2025)
ACC tournament MVP (2025)
Jordan Brand Classic (2024)
Wisconsin Mr. Basketball (2024)

Kon Knueppel’s Draft Projection

Kon Knueppel’s craftiness and his quick and silky smooth jumper could go a long way for him in the NBA. He is projected to be drafted as the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, by the Charlotte Hornets. While there are clearly some things that he needs to work on, most significantly defense, Knueppel’s offensive game is already elite. With a better driving ability and perimeter defense, while working on his footwork and quickeness, Knueppel has the potential to be one of the greats in the NBA.

2025 NBA Draft

Kon Knueppel

NBA

Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.