Kon Knueppel shines as Duke’s unsung hero alongside Cooper Flagg and surprises in Mavs workout…read more…

Kon Knueppel shines as Duke’s unsung hero alongside Cooper Flagg and surprises in Mavs workout…read more…

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Kon Knueppel shines as Duke’s unsung hero alongside Cooper Flagg and surprises in Mavs workout

Info Box:

Player: Kon II Knueppel (6’5″, 217 lb), Duke freshman

Stats: 14.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.7 APG; 47.9/40.6/91.4 shooting splits

Accolades: ACC tournament MVP, Second‑team All-ACC, ACC All-Freshman

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From No. 2 Option to ACC MVP

While Duke’s freshman phenom Cooper Flagg drew National Player of the Year accolades, Kon Knueppel quietly emerged as a powerful second act in Durham. Averaging 14.4 points, four rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 39 games, Knueppel shot an efficient 40.6% from three-point range and collected ACC tournament MVP honors amid Flagg’s mid-tournament ankle injury .

With Flagg sidelined, Knueppel embraced the lead role—delivering 17, 18, and 28 points in three ACC tournament contests. His calm, calculated play lifted Duke to the title and significantly elevated his draft stock .

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Tool‑Room Talent: The Scout Breakdown

NBA scouts view Knueppel as a polished pick-and-roll artist and high-IQ role player. The New York Post noted Duke coach Jon Scheyer regards him as a “safe, high‑floor pick” with shooting, size, and physicality . Comparisons have been drawn to shooters such as Luke Kennard, Kyle Korver, and even a “stronger J.J. Redick”—a nod not just to his accuracy, but his off-ball intelligence .

Analysts from Liberty Ballers further praise his playmaking efficiency in pick-and-rolls and off-ball movement, though they note limitations in explosiveness and pull-up game—traits often improved with NBA coaching .

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NBA Draft Momentum & Mavericks Workout

Projected as a lottery pick—estimates ranging from Nos. 3 to 8—Knueppel has drawn attention from teams like Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Charlotte, and Dallas .

Notably, Knueppel recently participated in a private workout with the Dallas Mavericks, who hold the No. 1 pick and intend to select Cooper Flagg there . His showing reportedly surprised Mavericks officials: his versatility, shooting, and fundamental poise stood out, affirming he can complement Flagg and contribute immediately in a complementary role.

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Redefining His Role, Honoring His Roots

On the Bill Simmons Podcast, Knueppel emphasized how Flagg’s injury gave him the platform to flourish—and how that spotlight carried into Duke’s deep NCAA Tournament run . Off the court, he remains grounded, honoring familial ties: his parents, both former collegiate players, are approaching a 21st wedding anniversary—an achievement Knueppel hopes to cap by seeing him drafted .

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Outlook: A Top‑Five Talent or Late Lottery Fine Pick

Knueppel’s blend of elite shooting, court IQ, and lockdown defense make him a coveted high-floor prospect. His ACC MVP run proved he can lead when needed. While some question his athletic upside, his basketball maturity and team-first mentality suggest he’ll fit seamlessly into NBA rotations.

If Flagg occupies the spotlight at No. 1, Knueppel is poised to follow—likely between Nos. 3–8—providing front offices with a polished wing who can stretch the floor and anchor backcourt units. Whether on draft night or NFC draft picks fall, one reality is clear: Kon Knueppel has established himself as an integral part of Duke’s future, and now an emerging factor in the NBA.

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In a draft class dominated by names like Flagg, Knueppel is writing his own narrative—one built on smart basketball and unshakeable fundamentals.