Kon Knueppel Has Scarily Similar Rookie Numbers To Larry Bird So Far

It’s not hyperbole to say that Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is having one of the most impressive offensive rookie seasons in NBA history.

Taking a look at Knueppel’s rookie production alongside what Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird did during his own rookie campaign says it all.

First 59 career games:

Larry Bird Kon Knueppel
20.1 PPG 19.4
4.3 APG 3.5
.481 FG% .491
.414 3P% .442
.831 FT% .893 pic.twitter.com/m05xqgEcey

— Onyx (@OnyxOdds) February 27, 2026

Through 59 games, Knueppel and Bird have very similar numbers, with Bird edging out Knueppel slightly in points and assists per game, but Knueppel shooting higher percentages across the board.

Selected fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Duke, the 20-year-old Knueppel is averaging 31.9 minutes per contest for the Hornets, who have suprised a lot of people and entered the playoff picture this season.

Knueppel’s standout trait, of course, is his long-distance shooting. Recently against the Indiana Pacers, Knueppel erupted for 28 points, including 8-of-12 from deep, in a 133-109 victory. That performance pushed him past Keegan Murray’s previous rookie record, giving him over 207 made threes for the season—leading the entire NBA in that category.

In February alone, Knueppel has averaged 22.7 points on 51.4% field goal shooting and 50.0% from three.

Knueppel’s efficiency and volume from beyond the arc, combined with solid all-around contributions, have him leading the Kia Rookie Ladder in recent weeks, often ahead of fellow Duke alum Cooper Flagg.

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