After the whirlwind of the Durant-Harden-Kyrie experiment, the Brooklyn Nets have learned the hard way that superstars don’t always equal success.
Let’s be honest — the Nets need shooting. More specifically, they need a guy who can hit shots, space the floor, and keep the offense moving when the game gets tight. Cam Thomas can fill it up, but Brooklyn has too many empty possessions when they need to stretch the defense.
That’s where Knueppel, the Duke freshman who shot 47.9% from the field and 40.6% from three, can change things. This kid doesn’t get rattled. He showed up at Duke and never flinched — averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while looking like a vet already.
In the ACC Tournament, he became a one-man wrecking crew, pouring in 21 points per game and leading the Blue Devils to a conference title.
When Cooper Flagg, Duke's top recruit, went down with an injury, Knueppel didn’t step back. He stepped up. Without Flagg, he took over the scoring load, proving that he’s not just a role player, he’s a go-to guy when the team needs him most.
Kon Knueppel doesn’t get the headlines, but he should. He’s not just a shooter — he’s the type of player who fits seamlessly into any offense that needs to get back on track.
Forget flashy. Go for effective
Here’s the thing about Kon Knueppel: He doesn’t have the explosive highlights or the viral dunks that grab attention. But he does the little things that every winning team needs. He moves well off the ball, creates space with intelligent cuts, and knocks down open shots like he’s been doing it for years. And when he has the ball? He’s a playmaker. His near 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio shows that he makes smart decisions without forcing anything.
Knueppel is an ideal fit for Brooklyn’s offense. He’s a plug-and-play guy, and for a Nets team that struggled with spacing last season, that’s exactly what they need. Standing at 6'6" and 217 pounds, Knueppel is built like an NBA wing. He’s strong enough to finish at the rim and tough enough to absorb contact. He doesn’t rely on athleticism to win, he wins with smarts.
With Cam Johnson’s health and contract situation uncertain, Knueppel could come in and immediately add the kind of depth this team needs.
Conclusion: The smart pick
The Nets are done chasing the shiny objects. They don’t need the flashiest pick; they need the guy who’s going to show up and make the team better immediately. Knueppel's the safe pick with a high ceiling. His ability to shoot, move off the ball, and fit into a well-coached system makes him a perfect match for Brooklyn’s future.
And unlike the short-lived superteam days of Durant, Harden, and Kyrie, Knueppel will give Brooklyn something more durable — and just as effective.
Draft Kon Knueppel. Let the offense breathe again.