Dream Fits: Rockets, Pelicans, Nets

Overall Grade: 64.15

Projected Position: SG/SF

Strengths:

• Great hustle for loose balls

• Good space denial on perimeter movement

• Great awareness of defenders positioning while driving

• Quick release

• Good physicality while defending drives without fouling

• Good tempo & decision making as a ball handeler on the pick & roll

• Good adjustments at the rim, primarily a spin move

• Good change of pace on drives

• Good switch decisions

• Good lateral speed

• Great hesitation & pump fakes on drives

• Accurate lobs

• Good play strength

• Good awareness of cutting teammates

• Leans into defenders well to create space for shots

• Good extension & timing on layups to avoid defenders

• Good tracking to secure rebounds at their apex

• Solid instincts to cut off passing lanes

Weaknesses:

• Can overcommit to closing distance making him loose a step defending drives

• Struggles to quickly flip his hips to get into a position to move laterally

• Switches too often on screens, lack of reps on tape attempting to navigate screens

• Can try to force lobs through traffic

• Can't quickly change directions when defending pull-ups or sudden stops

• Runs into screens too often due to lack of awareness

• Handle needs work, dribbles to high, can't split defenders & reckless at times

Scouting Report: Kon Knueppel

Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6'7", 217 lbs
School: Duke University (Freshman, Class of 2025)
Draft Projection: Late lottery to mid-first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

Overview:
Kon Knueppel is a versatile wing player with a polished offensive game and a high basketball IQ. A standout freshman at Duke, Knueppel has quickly made an impact with his scoring ability and all-around contributions. His combination of size, skill, and shooting touch makes him a valuable prospect for the NBA.

Strengths:

• Shooting Efficiency: Knueppel is an excellent shooter, particularly from beyond the arc, where he has shown consistency and range.

• Scoring Versatility: He can score in a variety of ways, including catch-and-shoot situations, off the dribble, and in transition.

• Basketball IQ: Knueppel has a strong understanding of the game, making smart decisions and reading defenses effectively.

• Rebounding: Despite being a wing player, he is an active rebounder, using his size and positioning to secure boards.

• Leadership: Knueppel plays with poise and confidence, often stepping up in key moments for his team.

Areas for Improvement:

• Defensive Consistency: While he has the tools to be a solid defender, improving his lateral quickness and focus on that end will elevate his game.

• Athleticism: Developing his explosiveness and agility will help him compete against elite athletes at the next level.

• Playmaking: Enhancing his passing and ability to create for teammates will make him a more complete player.

Player Comparisons:

• Gordon Hayward (for his scoring versatility and basketball IQ)

• Joe Harris (for his shooting ability and off-ball movement)

Summary:
Kon Knueppel is a skilled and intelligent wing player with the potential to excel at the professional level. His shooting touch, scoring versatility, and basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. With continued development, he could become a valuable contributor in the NBA.

Draft Range: 3-10

Projected NBA rookie role: Movement shooter with a knack for creation

Projected NBA position: Wing

Projected Rookie Statline (Pts, Reb, Ast, Blk/Stl): 11, 3, 3, 0.5 (Stl)

Strengths:

Weakness:

Shades of/comp: Desmond Bane, Gordon Hayward

Best outcome:

mid outcome:

worst outcome:

Knockdown shooter who can really handle it. Not super athletic or quick but is strong and gets downhill well for not having much quickness. Can defend pretty well. Big-bodied and has nice touch from mid-range.

NBA Comp: Bogdan Bogdanovic

SCOUTING REPORTS: Kon Knueppl: He is a prototypical 3 point sharpshooter that sets up shop along the line and gets good looks from the area, he is shooting 40.6% from 3. He is a solid defender who gives his all. Decent size and has good ball iq and shot selection. Very solid prospect this year.

Play Type: 3&D Wing.

Player Comp(s): Gordon Hayward, Bogdan Bogdonavic, Dalton Knecht.

Team Fit: Magic, Nets, Rockets.

Overall Score: 55.20.

Comp: Desmond Bane/Joe Ingles

• best shooter in the draft. can shoot well off the dribble but even better as a c&s threat; elite off-ball mover and relocater

• solid lateral quickness

• decent playmaker and passer; high IQ on the fast break

• not a terrible finisher; good physicality and body control but the lack of athleticism and strength leaves a lot of questions for translation at the next level

• bad defensive upside—poor recovery time; embraces contact but often doesn’t win those battles

• his handle isn’t necessarily special, but he could potentially be a lead ball handler/good secondary playmaking option

• extremely portable and should fill any role nicely in which he’s given; keeps fluid movement and creates constant flow within the offense

• high floor, low ceiling; his upside outside of the shot is fairly low