“Former Duke Stars Kon Knueppel and Sion James Shine in Hornets Debuts After Being Selected No. 4 and No. 33 in 2025 NBA Draft”
The Charlotte Hornets just got a whole lot more Blue Devil. When the Hornets called the names of Kon Knueppel and Sion James on draft night—at No. 4 and No. 33 respectively—few doubted their immediate impact potential. But now, with both former Duke standouts officially donning Hornets jerseys and stepping onto the court for their first NBA action, the promise has transformed into palpable excitement. Fans saw the blend of poise, skill, and Duke-bred toughness that defined their college days, now shining under the brighter lights of the league.
Kon Knueppel wasted no time proving why the Hornets made him their top-5 pick. With his trademark offensive fluidity and high IQ movement, Knueppel orchestrated the Hornets’ summer league offense like a seasoned vet. Whether initiating from the wing, slashing through traffic, or pulling up with effortless range, his game translated smoothly. He didn’t just score—he led. With every possession, his court vision, unselfishness, and command of spacing stood out, as if he’d been running the show at this level for years. And then there’s the intangibles—the composure, the timing, the knack for delivering in key moments—that made Duke fans adore him and NBA scouts covet him.
Meanwhile, Sion James brought his gritty, do-it-all presence to the pro stage with confidence. Drafted early in the second round, James showed he belonged. His defensive versatility was already drawing sideline praise, as he hounded opposing guards, fought over screens, and switched across positions with ease. Offensively, James played within himself, threading passes in tight windows, crashing the glass, and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. He may not be a headline-grabber just yet, but coaches and teammates noticed how much smoother everything ran when he was on the floor. Every team needs a glue guy—and the Hornets may have found theirs in James.
Together, the duo symbolized not only the evolution of Duke’s program under Jon Scheyer but also a turning point for Charlotte’s future. The synergy between Knueppel’s offensive polish and James’ two-way reliability already looked like something that could last beyond just summer league. They shared moments on the court that mirrored their chemistry from Durham—backdoor cuts, quick handoffs, weakside help, communication without words. The rhythm was there. And the foundation they’re laying now could define the next chapter in Hornets basketball.
Their Duke pedigree was unmistakable, too. From their fundamentals to their competitiveness, Knueppel and James embodied what it means to come through that program. Both players credited their time at Duke for preparing them not just physically, but mentally for the NBA grind. They spoke postgame with the calm maturity of veterans, quick to praise teammates and quick to point out where they needed to improve. It’s that level of self-awareness, accountability, and drive that could elevate them from promising rookies to foundational pieces.
It wasn’t just their individual performances that turned heads—it was the way they played off each other and fit within the Hornets’ broader system. Charlotte’s front office clearly had a vision when it brought both players in, and early returns suggest it might be a masterstroke. Knueppel gives them a dynamic shot creator and facilitator who can stretch defenses and lead a second unit, if not start outright. James offers a rock-solid rotational piece who defends, passes, rebounds, and does all the little things winning teams need. If their development continues on this trajectory, Charlotte’s draft class could be one of the most impactful in recent memory.
Fans in Charlotte are already buzzing about the future. The Hornets have had flashes of promise in recent years but lacked the culture and consistency to break through. With Knueppel and James—two players known for their leadership, discipline, and work ethic—those missing ingredients may finally be in place. They’re the kind of rookies who don’t just put up stats, but elevate everyone around them. It’s early, yes, but there’s something about their presence that feels different. There’s a maturity that’s rare in players this young.
Of course, summer league is only the beginning. The grind of an 82-game season, the physical toll, the mental battles—those are still to come. But what the Hornets and their fans have seen so far is more than encouraging. It’s a signal. A spark. Something to believe in. And for Knueppel and James, this is just the beginning of what they hope will be long, meaningful careers at the next level.
Their journey from Durham to Charlotte is a reminder that development, chemistry, and culture still matter in today’s NBA. It’s not always about the flashiest talent or biggest name—it’s about how players fit, how they grow, and how they buy into something bigger than themselves. Kon Knueppel and Sion James have already bought in. Now, the Hornets and their fans are all in too.
In a league constantly looking for the next big thing, sometimes the best thing is a pair of smart, battle-tested players who just know how to win. And with Knueppel and James, Charlotte may have found exactly that.
