Hornets Reportedly Using 'Multiple Smokescreens' Amid Knueppel Buzz Ahead of NBA Draft

The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly running the picket fence on their opponents in the pre-draft cycle with multiple smokescreens regarding their true interest on what they intend to do with the No. 4 overall pick.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that news on the Hornets while delivering his final draft board and referencing the team's reported interest in Duke guard Kon Knueppel.

"What about the Hornets? League sources say Charlotte has navigated the pre-draft cycle with multiple smokescreens and that their interest in selecting Kon Knueppel, a popular choice for the fourth pick, has been overstated. While the Hornets do hold interest in Knueppel, many are downplaying the idea of them taking him so high instead of trading down a few spots and gathering future assets."

The current projections industry-wide run the gamut on Knueppel.

For example, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report currently has Knueppel going 10th overall to the Phoenix Suns. Gary Parrish of CBS Sports has him seventh to the New Orleans Pelicans and J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer placed him fifth to the Utah Jazz.

However, there's definitely buzz for Knueppel to the Hornets. Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports and Sam Vecenie of The Athletic have him there, as does the ESPN draft duo of Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, who wrote the following on the connection in part.

"Rival teams believe the Hornets will ultimately prioritize Knueppel's strong perimeter shooting, playmaking and leadership skills, as well as his strong fit with the likes of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The Hornets would be going for a safer option in Knueppel after swinging for the fences with Tidjane Salaun in last year's draft at No. 6."

It's certainly possible Knueppel lands top five at least. He's clearly well-regarded. Wasserman notably has him fifth overall on his latest B/R big board.

In his lone season at Duke, the 6'7" Knueppel shined with 14.4 points per game on 47.9 percent shooting (40.6 percent from three), while adding 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.

We'll find out for sure where Knueppel and everyone else lands soon enough when the draft begins on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.