Emerging Charlotte Hornets long-range specialist Kon Knueppel is reportedly set to participate in the NBA’s All-Star festivities.
According to sports journalist Chris Haynes, a reputable NBA source, Knueppel has agreed to join the lineup for the 3-point shooting competition.
Knueppel stands as the initial participant confirmed for the eight-person event. Regardless of other contenders, Knueppel is anticipated to be a strong candidate for victory in the competition.
It is reported that Kon Knueppel is the initial athlete confirmed to have accepted an offer for the NBA 3-point challenge.
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Knueppel has made a significant impact in the NBA since the Hornets drafted him as the fourth overall pick from Duke University. He has established himself as an immediate contributor for Charlotte, putting up averages of 18.7 points, 5.5 boards, and 3.6 dimes per contest. His accuracy from beyond the arc stands at 42.5% on 7.8 attempts each game.
Averaging 3.3 successful three-pointers per outing, he is tied for seventh league-wide. His 42.5% conversion rate places him 14th among those who have tried 150 or more shots. The Hornets, having concluded the previous season with a 19-63 standing, have already exceeded that victory count, holding a 23-28 record by Tuesday, and now possess an opportunity to contend for their initial playoff appearance since 2016.
The three-point competition is slated to occur during the NBA’s All-Star Saturday night festivities, which also include the Skills Challenge and the Slam Dunk Contest. All-Star Saturday is scheduled for February 14th and is set to be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers. The main All-Star game is planned for the subsequent day.
NBC is set to air the NBA’s All-Star weekend, marking its initial broadcast of the event since 2002, returning as a media associate after a 24-year hiatus.
