In the glitzy spectacle of the NBA Draft, the spotlight often gravitates towards the explosive athletes, the primary shot creators, and the players whose physical gifts jump off the screen. Yet, every draft class holds its hidden gems, the players whose value lies not just in raw athleticism or highlight-reel plays, but in the nuanced contributions of basketball IQ, versatility, and an unselfish approach to the game. Enter Kon Knueppel, the Duke freshman who, despite playing alongside other projected lottery picks like Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach, quietly carved out a reputation as an incredibly effective and highly adaptable player. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Knueppel is emerging as Duke’s overlooked talent, offering a blend of flexibility, leadership potential, and consistent scoring that could make him an invaluable asset to any NBA franchise.
Kon Knueppel arrived at Duke as a highly-touted recruit, but perhaps less flashy than some of his peers. Standing at 6’5″ (measured at the combine, though sometimes listed taller at Duke) and weighing 219 pounds, he possesses good positional size for an NBA wing. What immediately stands out about Knueppel is his elite shooting ability. In his lone season at Duke, he showcased a pristine and repeatable shooting stroke, hitting an impressive 40.6% from three-point range on high volume (5.3 attempts per game) and an astounding 91.4% from the free-throw line. This efficiency, particularly from deep, immediately translates to the NBA game, where floor spacing is paramount. He’s not just a spot-up shooter; he demonstrates the ability to hit shots off movement, coming off screens, and making quick decisions with the ball in his hands. His strong fundamentals and quick release suggest his shooting will be a legitimate weapon at the next level.
However, labeling Knueppel simply as a “shooter” would be a disservice to the breadth of his game. His contribution to Duke extended far beyond just knocking down threes. He offered significant flexibility to Coach Jon Scheyer’s system. Knueppel’s high basketball IQ allows him to read defenses exceptionally well. He understands spacing, makes smart cuts without the ball, and is adept at finding open pockets of space. This off-ball intelligence makes him a seamless fit in any offensive scheme, able to capitalize on defensive attention drawn by teammates. He’s not a primary ball-handler or an explosive shot creator in isolation, but he thrives as a secondary playmaker. He’s capable of initiating offense in pick-and-roll situations, making good reads, and delivering accurate passes to rollers or weak-side shooters. Averaging 2.7 assists per game at Duke with a low turnover rate (1.4 per game) underscores his strong decision-making and unselfish approach. He contributes to the flow of the offense, rather than disrupting it.
Beyond his shooting and secondary playmaking, Knueppel’s scoring versatility is notable. Despite not possessing elite athleticism or burst, he’s a crafty finisher around the rim. He uses his strong frame and excellent footwork to create space, absorb contact, and convert difficult layups and floaters. His patience in the paint and ability to leverage angles allow him to be more effective than his athletic testing might suggest. He also has a reliable mid-range game, comfortable pulling up or fading away when defenses cut off his path to the basket. This three-level scoring threat makes him difficult to contain and prevents defenses from simply running him off the three-point line.
Perhaps one of Knueppel’s most “overlooked” qualities, yet one that is highly valued by NBA teams, is his leadership potential and winning mentality. Coach Jon Scheyer often lauded Knueppel’s understanding of the “small things, the details that others might overlook.” This speaks to his high motor, competitive spirit, and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. He plays “winning basketball,” making quick decisions, unselfish passes, and always being engaged. In a locker room, players who prioritize collective success over individual statistics are invaluable. Knueppel’s temperament and dedication to the game project well for his ability to quickly integrate into an NBA team’s culture and become a reliable presence. He’s known for being incredibly hard on himself, a trait that often drives continuous improvement.
However, no prospect is without areas for development, and for Knueppel, his athleticism is the primary question mark. While his vertical leap tested surprisingly well at the combine, his lateral quickness and burst are considered below average for an NBA wing. This raises concerns about his ability to consistently create separation off the dribble against elite NBA defenders and, more significantly, his capacity to stay in front of quicker guards and wings on defense. NBA offenses are designed to hunt mismatches, and Knueppel will need to demonstrate that he can hold his own defensively without becoming a liability. While he was a sound team defender at Duke, exhibiting good effort and awareness, the pace and individual talent in the NBA are a significant step up. Improving his quickness and defensive fundamentals will be crucial for him to maximize his two-way potential at the next level.
Another area that some scouts point to is his primary shot creation. While he’s an excellent secondary playmaker, he doesn’t possess the kind of explosive first step or dazzling handle that would allow him to consistently break down defenders from a standstill or operate as a primary offensive initiator. His offensive role in the NBA will likely be more focused on his shooting, cutting, and secondary playmaking rather than high-volume isolation scoring.
Despite these athletic limitations, Knueppel’s well-rounded offensive game, high basketball IQ, and winning characteristics make him a “safe” lottery pick. He’s widely projected to go in the lottery, with mock drafts placing him anywhere from the top five to the middle of the lottery. Teams in need of consistent shooting, secondary playmaking, and a high-IQ player who fits seamlessly into a team-oriented offense will find him highly appealing. For instance, teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, who consistently need floor spacing around their stars, or the Houston Rockets, who could use a boost in three-point percentage, are often mentioned as potential landing spots.
Kon Knueppel embodies the modern NBA wing prototype in many ways, prioritizing shooting, spacing, and intelligent playmaking. While he may not possess the flashiest athletic profile, his fundamental soundness, offensive versatility, and mature approach to the game make him an incredibly valuable prospect. As the NBA Draft approaches, teams looking for a plug-and-play talent who can immediately contribute to winning, grow into a more significant role, and bring a strong locker room presence will undoubtedly be keen on Duke’s quietly impactful Kon Knueppel. He may be overlooked by some, but his game speaks volumes about his potential to thrive in the NBA.
