Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets · Locked On Podcast Network, Doug Branson, Walker Mehl

Hornets' G Kon Knueppel Reveals Secret to His Mature Game + Would You TRADE for Kuminga, Rui + more

·38 min·3 clips

Conn Knipple credits his father's men's league for developing his off-ball skills and physicality in the NBA.

This episode of Locked On Hornets analyzes rookie Kon Knueppel's second interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast and explores potential trade targets for the Charlotte Hornets. Hosts Ross Jackson and Doug discuss Knueppel's performance and team strategy ahead of the NBA trade deadline. They provide daily analysis focused on the Charlotte Hornets franchise. Kon Knueppel attributed his mature playing style to growing up competing in his father's adult men's basketball league in Milwaukee. He explained this experience taught him off-ball movement and physicality beyond typical youth basketball training. Bill Simmons has featured Knueppel twice, which the hosts interpret as significant recognition from a veteran analyst. Statistical analysis shows Knueppel leads the NBA in pull-up three-point percentage at 50% on a minimum of 60 attempts. Advanced metrics also position him as one of the most efficient rookies in league history on his current volume. The hosts received a "Flying Knueppel Brothers Basketball Club" t-shirt from a listener, referencing the family's Milwaukee league. Knueppel expressed admiration for efficient players like Khris Middleton rather than more mainstream superstars. The Hornets rank second in net rating and offensive rating across their previous ten games, indicating recent improvement. A key offensive wrinkle involves several Hornets, including Knueppel, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Miles Bridges, ranking highly in points per possession as screeners in pick-and-roll actions. The trade discussion centers on Jonathan Kuminga, who has requested a trade from the Golden State Warriors. The hosts debate whether his ball-dominant style fits Charlotte's ball-movement identity but acknowledge his talent as a potential upgrade. They also evaluate potential targets like Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, who has a multi-year contract, and Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, an efficient shooter on an expiring deal. The conversation considers if the Hornets should be "buyers" to pursue a play-in spot or make strategic moves for future flexibility. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending fan enthusiasm with detailed basketball discussion. The hosts mix statistical evidence with speculative roster construction in a supportive but critical team analysis. This episode will appeal to Hornets fans seeking deep analysis of Kon Knueppel's development and the team's trade deadline strategy. Listeners preferring purely game recap or those uninterested in trade speculation might find less value.

As heard by us

A lively Hornets daily that ties Conn Knipple, Charles Lee, and Jonathan Kuminga into one easy listen.

Locked On Hornets keeps its best moments grounded in two lanes: Conn Knipple's second turn on the Bill Simmons podcast and the offensive wrinkles Charles Lee is trying to build.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want Hornets talk that mixes Kon Knueppel's latest comments with trade-deadline heat.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets