Kon Knueppel Injured in Season Debut, Latest on Hornets Star After Exiting vs. Nets

Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel did not last long in his first game of the season.

After making his season debut against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, lasted only six minutes before being ruled out with "leg soreness," the team announced:

He had just three points before exiting in the first quarter.

Knueppel has been sidelined by a hamstring strain he suffered during offseason workouts in September. The injury forced the 21-year-old to miss the entire preseason and all eight of Charlotte's games to the start of the 2026-27 season.

The latest setback is another disappointment for a team that has struggled to find its footing so far this season. After winning three of their first four games, the Hornets lost four consecutive games heading into their matchup against Brooklyn and ranked dead last in scoring offense.

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The team's struggles can partially be explained by the absence of Knueppel and starting guard Coby White. Knueppel at full strength could help Charlotte get its season back on track, although there are now more questions about his health.

Knueppel was selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and dazzled during his rookie campaign. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and finished second in NBA Rookie of the Year voting behind Cooper Flagg. Knueppel finished the season with 273 made three-pointers, making him the first rookie to lead the league in three-pointers made in NBA history.