Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has accepted an invitation to compete in the 3-Point Contest during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported. Knueppel, who was already selected to participate in the Rising Stars Tournament, has earned this chance thanks to his impressive shooting performance this season.
Knueppel’s Remarkable Shooting Performance
Knueppel has made 166 three-pointers so far this season, ranking third in the league among all players. He boasts a 42.5 percent shooting rate from beyond the arc, the highest among the 15 players with at least 350 attempts, according to NBA.com. His ability to space the floor benefits teammates like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, while he also remains efficient when creating his own shots, shooting 46.6 percent on pull-up three-pointers during the 2025-26 season.
Emerging as a Key Player for the Hornets
Selected as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, 20-year-old Knueppel has quickly become a cornerstone for Charlotte. He is currently averaging 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while maintaining a 48.2 percent field goal percentage. His strong play has helped the Hornets build momentum, contributing to a seven-game winning streak. Knueppel was recently named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January, marking his third such honor this season.
Next Steps in the 3-Point Contest and All-Star Weekend
Knueppel now aims to become the first Hornets player to win the 3-Point Contest, scheduled for February 14. The contest will be held alongside other All-Star Weekend events, including the NBA Skills Challenge and Slam Dunk Contest. His participation in these festivities highlights his rising status in the league and promises to draw attention to his sharpshooting skills.
Charlotte Hornets rookie sensation Kon Knueppel has accepted the league’s invitation to participate in the 3-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/GgI7wtBtga
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 4, 2026
The @Kia Rookies of the Month for January!
West: Cooper Flagg (@dallasmavs)
East: Kon Knueppel (@hornets) pic.twitter.com/T1hIQEb3Hv— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2026
