Brian Windhorst believes Kon Knueppel’s start to his NBA career is drawing the wrong comparison, arguing the Charlotte Hornets rookie looks more like Stephen Curry than Klay Thompson based on his early production.
Brian Windhorst, the veteran ESPN reporter, said Kon Knueppel’s performances since being drafted fourth overall in 2025 have exceeded expectations.
Knueppel entered the NBA with comparisons to Klay Thompson because of his size and shooting profile. But Windhorst said those parallels no longer fit, as the Hornets star’s numbers are similar to Stephen Curry’s rookie campaign.
Brian Windhorst says Kon Knueppel’s playstyle resembles Stephen Curry
On ESPN’s NBA Today, Brian Windhorst said Kon Knueppel’s off-ball movement and shot creation have made him stand out among this year’s rookie class.
He said that Knueppel’s game has more in common with Curry’s dynamic scoring than Thompson’s catch-and-shoot efficiency.
“When Kon Knueppel came into the league, I had some people I really trust compare him to Klay Thompson… I’ve been watching him recently — they might have the wrong Splash Brother.”
“I know it sounds crazy. But when you watch how this guy has taken the league by storm… Look at the percentage, look at the age. He’s like Steph, in that you can’t catch him!”
Windhorst said Knueppel’s combination of shooting touch, movement, and confidence has transformed the Hornets’ offense.
His 43.5% clip from deep ranks among the best for rookies in the past decade, and his consistency has already made him one of the Hornets’ most reliable scoring options.
Kon Knueppel’s rookie stats rival Stephen Curry’s first-year numbers
Kon Knueppel’s early production has drawn favourable statistical comparisons to Stephen Curry’s rookie year with the Golden State Warriors.
Curry averaged 17.5 points per game and shot 43.7% from three in 2009–10 — nearly identical to Knueppel’s 19.0 and 43.5 marks through his first season with the Charlotte Hornets.
The 20-year-old has already recorded multiple 30-point games and continues to show growth as both a spot-up and off-the-dribble shooter.
His quick release and court awareness have led some analysts to project him as a future All-Star if he maintains this level of efficiency. Knueppel’s next challenge will be sustaining that efficiency as defenses adjust to his style.
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