News Summary
In a strategic move to improve their shooting capabilities, the Charlotte Hornets selected forward Kon Knueppel from Duke with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and traded for Liam McNeeley from the Phoenix Suns. These key additions aim to strengthen the team’s overall performance as they approach the new season. With concerns around injuries to key players, Knueppel and McNeeley’s skills are expected to fill significant gaps in the roster. The Hornets are focused on enhancing their offensive prowess after a struggling previous season.
Charlotte
The Charlotte Hornets made significant moves to strengthen their roster during the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Kon Knueppel, a talented forward from Duke, and acquiring Liam McNeeley in a trade with the Phoenix Suns. These strategic decisions aim to improve the team’s shooting capabilities and overall performance heading into the new season.
Knueppel was chosen with the No. 4 pick in the draft, which was initially held by the Suns but was transferred to Charlotte as part of a trade that sent center Mark Williams to Phoenix. During his brief time at Duke, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points and 4 rebounds per game, showcasing his skill set as one of the draft’s top shooters.
At 6-foot-7, Knueppel is expected to play a crucial role in filling the small forward position for the Hornets, particularly as Brandon Miller recovers from a wrist injury and Miles Bridges deals with a hip injury. Knueppel’s playing style, which emphasizes off-ball movement and shooting, aligns well with the team’s need for effective scoring options, especially alongside star players such as Miller and LaMelo Ball.
Although there are concerns about Knueppel’s defensive capabilities, his length and basketball IQ suggest he can adapt and contribute on the defensive end as well. As the Hornets struggled with shooting efficiency last season, Knueppel’s arrival is viewed as a positive step toward addressing this pressing issue.
In addition to Knueppel, the Hornets secured McNeeley through the trade with Phoenix. The forward, who comes from UConn, averaged 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during his freshman year. Notably, McNeeley boasted an impressive 38.1% shooting percentage from three-point range on over five attempts per game. While he is recognized for his outside shooting ability, it is anticipated that he might not significantly influence fantasy basketball during his rookie season.
Overall, the additions of Knueppel and McNeeley signal a focused effort by the Hornets to enhance their offensive prowess, as they were among the worst shooting teams in the league last year. In addition to their primary draft selections, the Hornets hold two second-round picks (No. 33 and No. 34), providing further opportunities to bolster their roster.
Furthermore, the Hornets are set to welcome back Vasilije Micic, who re-joins the team after being traded to the Suns earlier in the season. Micic averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 assists per game, and his return is largely seen as a move to facilitate salary matching, with an $8.1 million team option for the 2025-26 season looming.
The Hornets are clearly intent on moving forward with a fortified lineup that addresses both their shooting challenges and overall team depth. As the new season approaches, fans will be eager to see how these newcomers will contribute to the team’s quest for improvement.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Hornets: Acquire Draft Rights to Liam McNeeley
- Fox News: Hornets Draft Pick Kon Knueppel
- Charlotte Hornets: Select Kon Knueppel Fourth Overall
- SI: Charlotte Hornets Select Liam McNeeley
- Swarm and Sting: Hornets Draft Strategy for 2nd Round
- Wikipedia: Charlotte Hornets
- Google Search: NBA Draft 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA
- Google News: Charlotte Hornets
Author: HERE Charlotte
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