Draymond Green goes down surprising Kon Knuepel

Golden State Warriors a veteran Draymond Green gave Charlotte Hornets newcomer Knuppel could his flowers for an impressive rookie season. Green says he told the fourth overall pick what he thought of him after the 132-125 win. Knuepel helped the Hornets beat the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder in what was their most impressive win of the season on Monday.

Green spoke the conversation he was having with Knuppel following the Hornets’ seven-point loss to the Warriors, according to The Draymond Green Show.

“Kon Knueppel, number one, we had the opportunity to play the Charlotte Hornets,” Green said. “I talked to him after the game and I said, ‘Man, I’ll be honest with you, young man. I’m a big fan of your game. I had no idea you were this good.’

Green believes Knuepel has a chance to win Rookie of the Year.

“Kon can hoop. And I was very surprised by his size. He’s 6’7. Big frame. He’s not weak at all, like a pretty strong guy. That surprised me a lot. Which to me makes where he was at the beginning of the year very sustainable,” Green added. “He’s shooting lights out. He’s got a better handle than he’s been given credit for, but I think with his size, Kon Knueppel can compete with Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year.”

Knuepel is averaging 19.5 points on 48.3% shooting, including 43.5% from deep, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Kon Knueppel reacts to the Hornets’ win over the Thunder

Novak Kon Knuepel’s 23 points helped The Hornets secure a win against the Thunder. Knueppel, one of six Hornets players to score in double figures in a 124-97 win against the defending champions, connected on 5-of-7 from deep as his efficient 3-point shooting continued into his rookie campaign.

After the win, Knuepel addressed the Hornets thinking goes towards winning on Sunday against the Thunder.

“We were calm; we came here like we belonged, and we have to do that every night,” Knueppel said. “We can be an elite offensive group; we play with the pass and we play fast. That’s what we’ve been doing for the last half month and we want to continue that.”

🎙 Kon Knuppel: “We were calm. We came in here like we belonged, and we have to do that every night.”

“We can be an elite offensive group. We play with the pass, and we play fast. We’ve been doing that for the last half month and we want to continue that.” pic.tvitter.com/SbiBKEpzbl

— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) January 6, 2026

The Hornets dropped a 97-96 game against the Raptors, but will look to bounce back when they host the Pacers on Thursday.