Hornets' Kon Knueppel gets strong comparisons to Warriors legend from Steve Kerr
Following a competitive New Year’s Eve showdown at the Spectrum Center, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr offered arguably the highest praise a rookie could receive, drawing a direct parallel between Charlotte Hornets wing Kon Knueppel and a Hall of Fame icon. After watching the fourth overall pick tally 20 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in a tight 132-125 loss to Golden State, Kerr compared the Duke product to Warriors legend Chris Mullin.
The comparison is significant coming from Kerr, who has coached the greatest shooters in NBA history and played against the "Run TMC" era Warriors. Speaking to reporters postgame, Kerr highlighted that the similarities go beyond just perimeter scoring.
"I see a lot of Chris Mullin," Kerr said. "Really good size on the wing, big strong body, catch-and-shoot, but also incredible IQ, passing, making the right play over and over again. He's already a really, really damn good player."
For Knueppel, who is currently averaging 19.3 points per game and shooting an efficient 43.2 percent from deep, the comparison validates the polished, mature game that made him a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Like Mullin, Knueppel relies on elite footwork, deceptive strength, and a rapid release rather than explosive vertical athleticism. Mullin, a five-time All-Star and member of the original Dream Team, carved out a legendary career by out-thinking defenders and punishing teams with lethal efficiency—traits Knueppel has displayed throughout his rookie campaign.
The praise also underscores Knueppel's playmaking ability, a facet of his game that has surprised many scouts. Recording eight assists against a disciplined Warriors defense demonstrates the "incredible IQ" Kerr referenced. As the Hornets continue to build around a young core featuring LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, Knueppel’s development into a Mullin-esque offensive hub suggests Charlotte has found the perfect stabilizer for their high-octane offense. If the rookie can emulate even a fraction of Mullin’s Hall of Fame consistency, the Hornets have secured a cornerstone for the next decade.
The comparison is significant coming from Kerr, who has coached the greatest shooters in NBA history and played against the "Run TMC" era Warriors. Speaking to reporters postgame, Kerr highlighted that the similarities go beyond just perimeter scoring.
"I see a lot of Chris Mullin," Kerr said. "Really good size on the wing, big strong body, catch-and-shoot, but also incredible IQ, passing, making the right play over and over again. He's already a really, really damn good player."
For Knueppel, who is currently averaging 19.3 points per game and shooting an efficient 43.2 percent from deep, the comparison validates the polished, mature game that made him a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Like Mullin, Knueppel relies on elite footwork, deceptive strength, and a rapid release rather than explosive vertical athleticism. Mullin, a five-time All-Star and member of the original Dream Team, carved out a legendary career by out-thinking defenders and punishing teams with lethal efficiency—traits Knueppel has displayed throughout his rookie campaign.
The praise also underscores Knueppel's playmaking ability, a facet of his game that has surprised many scouts. Recording eight assists against a disciplined Warriors defense demonstrates the "incredible IQ" Kerr referenced. As the Hornets continue to build around a young core featuring LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, Knueppel’s development into a Mullin-esque offensive hub suggests Charlotte has found the perfect stabilizer for their high-octane offense. If the rookie can emulate even a fraction of Mullin’s Hall of Fame consistency, the Hornets have secured a cornerstone for the next decade.
