Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel will likely miss the start of the 2026-27 NBA season after suffering a strained left hamstring, the team announced on Friday.
Knueppel, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter, had an impressive rookie campaign last season, finishing second in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting behind Cooper Flagg. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His shooting was a standout, leading the league with 273 made three-pointers on 673 attempts, shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc.
The injury comes as a setback for the Hornets, who had hoped Knueppel would continue to develop as a cornerstone of their roster. The team has not provided a timeline for his return but confirmed the injury will keep him out of action for the opening weeks of the season.
Knueppel’s three-point shooting made him one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in the league last year. His ability to stretch defenses was a major factor in Charlotte’s offensive strategy. The Hornets will need to find ways to compensate for his absence while he recovers.
The team’s official statement on Friday did not specify how the injury occurred or detail the exact recovery plan. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Charlotte’s medical staff will be monitoring Knueppel closely during his rehabilitation. The Hornets start their regular season schedule in October, and missing a key player like Knueppel early on could influence their initial performance and rotation.
Knueppel’s strong rookie year raised expectations for his role in the coming seasons. His shooting numbers placed him among the league’s elite young marksmen, and his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories suggested a well-rounded skill set.
The injury interrupts what was shaping up to be a promising sophomore campaign for the forward. Charlotte’s coaching staff will need to adjust their offensive schemes without their top three-point shooter available.
The team’s announcement on Friday was brief, simply stating the nature of the injury and its impact on Knueppel’s availability. No further details about treatment or prognosis have been released.
Knueppel’s progress will be a focus for Hornets fans as the preseason approaches. The team’s front office will be monitoring his rehabilitation timetable closely to plan for the early games.
This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
According to Yahoo Sports.