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Hornets’ Kon Knueppel Sets New Rookie 3-Point Record

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 22: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Kon Knueppel was playing high school basketball just two years ago, and now he has etched his name in history by setting the record for most three-pointers made by a rookie in a single season.

The first-round pick out of Duke made history on Thursday during the third-quarter when he nailed a three from the left wing, passing Kings’ forward Keegan Murray for the lead. Knueppel would finish the game with 28 points and was 8/12 from beyond-the-arc.

Knueppel already made history by being the fastest ever to 200 three-pointers made, and he also leads the entire NBA in three-pointers made this season.

The Charlotte Hornets made a home run pick selecting Knueppel with the fourth overall pick. The guard is battling for rookie of the year with his college teammate, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks.

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Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points-per-game, while shooting a remarkable 44.2% from three. The rookie has a chance to join the exclusive 50/40/90 club as he is currently sitting at 49.1/44.2/89.3. No rookie has ever accomplished this feat.

The Hornets and Knueppel have a chance to make some noise as they are competing to make the play-in and for a chance to make the postseason in the East.