Bill Simmons names Kon Knuepel as his stealth ROI candidate
Although it is Charlotte Hornets are 4-7, their rookie forward Kon Knueppel is putting up some solid numbers. Knuppel is averaging 16.6 PPG and 6.4 RPG and is shooting 39.8% from 3-point range.
A statistic that led to the one and only Bill Simmons yes already put into space that Knueppel will be Rookie of the Year, according to The Bill Simmons Podcast.
“We’re not allowed to bet on this award, but I think he’s a stealth Rookie of the Year candidate,” Simmons said. “He’s going to put up stats, he’s going to play big minutes.”
Simmons’ love for Knuepel was evident during the draft, when Knuepel was drafted as the 4th pick coming out of the duke.
“I liked Knuepel in the draft. I think he looks like he’s already 27,” Simmons said. “LaMelo’s out, he’s working the offense for them. He rebounds; he’s always in the right places and doing the right things. And I think when LaMelo and Brandon Miller come back, because they kind of hit Kalkbrenner. He’s like a real 30-minute-a-game half-decent center, but I want to see him when all their guys come back.”
In addition, Simmons made a case that Knueppel will play for the 2028 U.S. Olympic team in Los Angeles, per Cody Taylor of Rookie Wire/Yahoo Sports.
“I guarantee he’ll be one of the 12 guys in 2028,” Simmons said. “He’s perfect for international basketball. (He) can play multiple positions, he can get involved on defense, he knows where to go and what to do, like Derrick Whiteish. He just knows how to fit in with other guys and he can shoot.”
Who would Knuepel play with if he plays for Team USA?
In 2024, the US Olympic team featured LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Steph Curry and Tyrese Halliburton, among others.
Two of those guys, Edwards and Halliburton, are likely to return in 2028. If Knueppel is lucky enough to be on the team, he would play with them and other youngsters.
Those names would include Cooper Flagg, Cade Cunningham and Donovan Mitchell.
2025-11-14 17:07:00
