The Charlotte Hornets have benefited significantly from selecting Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 overall pick, as the 20-year-old guard has emerged as a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year alongside Cooper Flagg. This success traces back to a change in the team’s approach, marked by the 2024 hiring of Patrick Harrel as Vice President of Basketball Insights & Analysis, who integrated Artificial Intelligence into their scouting process.
AI Draft Strategy Influences Team Decisions
According to Dylan Jackson of SportCLT, the Hornets initially showed interest in Reed Sheppard during the 2024 draft. However, they eventually opted to acquire Knueppel in 2025, a choice partly guided by an AI draft plan from Invisible Technologies. This approach brought a fresh, data-driven perspective to Charlotte’s talent evaluation.
The commercial impact was almost immediate, says Patrick Harrel, VP of Basketball Insights & Analysis at the Charlotte Hornets. ‘Within weeks, Invisible provided us with an AI draft strategy that gifted us Kon Knueppel, the #4 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2025 NBA draft,
Jackson wrote.
Knueppel’s Rookie Achievements Highlight AI Investment
Knueppel’s potential was evident during the NBA Summer League when he scored 21 points in the championship game and earned Final MVP honors, helping Charlotte secure its first Summer League title by defeating the Sacramento Kings. His rookie season has only confirmed his promise.
The guard is currently averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 48.7% from the field, 43.5% from beyond the arc, and 89.1% from the free-throw line. Knueppel leads the NBA with 198 made three-pointers, positioning himself as Cooper Flagg’s strongest rival for Rookie of the Year, with many experts considering him the favorite.
Impact on Hornets’ Playoff Hopes and Future Outlook
The Hornets hold a 27-31 record, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference—an improvement from last season’s 19-63 finish. Although their playoff chances remain uncertain, the team’s progress reflects optimism for the postseason, driven by the growth of players like Knueppel and the innovative use of AI in roster building.
