Kon Knueppel was always viewed as a high-end draft prospect thanks to his size and shooting ability. But the Charlotte Hornets may even be surprised at how quickly he became a top-tier offensive talent in the NBA.
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The rookie forward wrapped up his first regular season on Sunday night, helping Charlotte improve its position in the Eastern Conference Play-In with his sharp-shooting skills.
In multiple ways, Knueppel has made both Hornets and NBA history with his shooting from deep in 2025-26, and by officially leading the league in three-pointers made, he has done something no rookie has done before.
Here’s a look at Knueppel’s historic rookie season and how it compares to the best debut shooting performances in history.
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Most three-pointers by a rookie in NBA history
Knueppel, with 273 shots from deep this season, has broken the rookie record for 3-pointers made. It was previously held by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings in 2022-23.
|
Player |
Equipment |
Season |
3 p.m. |
|
Kon Knüppel |
Hornets |
2025-26 |
273 |
|
Keegan Murray |
Kings |
2022-23 |
206 |
|
David Mitchell |
Jazz |
2017-18 |
187 |
|
Damian Lillard |
Trail jackets |
2012-13 |
185 |
|
Brandon Miller |
Hornets |
2023-24 |
184 |
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NBA 2025-26 triples become leaders
That wasn’t the only way Knueppel made shooting history.
His 273 three-pointers made also officially led the entire NBA, barely surpassing his teammate, LaMelo Ball, who made 272. Knueppel became the first rookie to lead the league in total three-pointers made.
Each of them made more than 270 3-pointers this season, with Knueppel and Ball becoming the first teammates to do so since Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the 2022-23 Warriors.
For the season, Knueppel finished with averages of 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. By surpassing the thresholds of 15 points and 5 rebounds while shooting at least 40% from 3-point range, Knueppel joined the company of elite rookies:
Here’s a look at the leaders in total 3PM this NBA season:
|
Player |
Equipment |
3 p.m. |
|
Kon Knüppel |
Hornets |
273 |
|
LaMelo Ball |
Hornets |
272 |
|
Luka Doncic |
Lakers |
254 |
|
Nickeil Alexander-Walker |
Falcons |
251 |
|
Jamal Murray |
nuggets |
245 |
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