Kon Knueppel, the 6’7″ wing from Duke University, has rapidly emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. While overshadowed by teammate Cooper Flagg, Knueppel’s blend of shooting, playmaking, and basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to several established NBA players. These comparisons not only highlight his potential but also spark debates about his ceiling and role at the professional level.Nets Wire+7Sportscasting |Â
A Wisconsin native, Knueppel was a five-star recruit who committed to Duke in 2023. At Duke, he showcased his versatility, playing both on and off the ball. His freshman season was marked by impressive statistics, including shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc and 91.4% from the free-throw line, making him one of the top shooters in college basketball . Beyond his scoring, Knueppel demonstrated a high basketball IQ, often serving as a secondary playmaker and displaying maturity beyond his years.
Scouts and analysts have drawn various comparisons to help contextualize Knueppel’s game. These comparisons range from established shooters to versatile wings, each highlighting different facets of his skill set.
Desmond Bane / Cameron Johnson
One of the most prevalent comparisons is to Desmond Bane and Cameron Johnson. Like Bane, Knueppel possesses elite shooting ability, both off the catch and off the dribble. He also shares Bane’s physicality and defensive tenacity. From Johnson, Knueppel inherits the ability to play multiple forward positions and contribute as a secondary playmaker .New York Post+7Sportscasting | Pure Sports+7syndication.bleacherreport.com+7
Malcolm Brogdon
Another comparison is to Malcolm Brogdon, a combo guard known for his all-around skills. Both players are adept at scoring and playmaking, though Brogdon is more of a primary ball handler. Knueppel’s size and shooting prowess, however, give him the potential to be a more consistent perimeter threat Yardbarker.Yardbarker
Max Strus / Saddiq Bey
Some analysts liken Knueppel to Max Strus or Saddiq Bey, wings known for their shooting and versatility. This comparison emphasizes Knueppel’s potential role as a floor-spacer and secondary scorer, capable of contributing immediately in an off-ball capacity .syndication.bleacherreport.com
Corey Kispert
In a more conservative projection, Knueppel is compared to Corey Kispert, a player who has found success as a shooting specialist. This comparison suggests that if Knueppel’s playmaking and driving abilities don’t translate to the NBA, he could still carve out a role as a reliable shooter off the bench .Nets Wire
Strengths:
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Shooting: Knueppel’s shooting mechanics are smooth, and his range extends well beyond the three-point line. His free-throw percentage indicates a high level of shooting consistency.
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Basketball IQ: He has a natural feel for the game, often making the right decisions in pick-and-roll situations and displaying excellent court vision.
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Versatility: Knueppel can play multiple positions, offering flexibility in both offensive and defensive schemes.
Areas for Development:
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Athleticism: While not lacking in effort, Knueppel’s lateral quickness and vertical explosion are not elite, which could pose challenges against faster NBA defenders.
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Defense: He is a smart defender but may struggle against quicker, more explosive players. His defensive upside will depend on his ability to improve his lateral movement and reaction time.
Knueppel is projected to be a first-round pick, with some mock drafts placing him between the 5th and 12th selections . Teams in need of shooting and perimeter scoring are particularly interested in his services. His ability to contribute immediately as a floor-spacer and secondary playmaker makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their wing depth.Duke Basketball Reportsyndication.bleacherreport.com+2Sportscasting | Pure Sports+2Chron+2
Kon Knueppel’s rise from a promising high school prospect to a projected first-round NBA Draft pick is a testament to his work ethic and skill development. While comparisons to established NBA players provide a framework for understanding his potential, Knueppel’s unique blend of shooting, playmaking, and basketball IQ suggests that he could carve out his own niche in the league. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Knueppel to see how his game translates to the professional level.
