Kon Knueppel became the starter of the conversation after winning Summer League Championship MVP honors.
The fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft scored 21 points and four three-pointers against the Charlotte Hornets 83-78 Sacramento Kings.
Knueppel has established himself as one of the draft’s premier shooters and continues to examine his reputation throughout the summer league play.
Duke products have openly expressed his desire to follow Klay Thompson’s path to becoming an elite shooter and two-way guard.
Before claiming MVP honors, Kon Knueppel received direct encouragement from Klay Thompson himself.
The Dallas Mavericks Guard provided advice on maintaining confidence in shooting while developing defensive skills and creating a mentor-mentee relationship that benefits the development of the rookie.
“I’m grateful for the words you tried to model your game. I’m not only am I old, but I’m also very grateful to the great young athletes like yourself who come to take over the league,” Thompson said. “I don’t lose the confidence I’ve come here, especially when I’m filming basketball.”
Thompson highlighted the importance of two-way play and highlighted his own pride in his defensive ability throughout his career.
The veteran guard specifically highlighted how defensive versatility extends the overall impact of players’ lifespans and victory on basketball.
“I heard you are aiming to be a two-way player, and that’s what I have been proud of myself for so long and I can still be on my guard.
Knuppel also shared that he is stealing two aspects of Thompson’s game.
The rookie identified Thompson’s shooting foundation and his mental approach to any night as key areas of research.
This reminds me of a major Thompson with the Golden State Warriors during the Splash Brothers era.
“He has a pretty wide base, so I’m trying to set my own legs and get your shoulders set,” Knupel explained. “Sometimes you don’t get shots, and there’s a lot of area that affects the game.”
“Sometimes there’s no shot in. I take every shot that can still be open. It’s cool for us,” he said.
Knuppel demonstrated his ability to influence victory by surpassing scores during summer league play. The rookie showed the versatility that attracted Charlotte’s front office by contributing through rebounding, defensive strength and playmaking when the shots were not falling.
His defensive fuss throughout the championship run reflects Thompson’s influence and the two-way approach he wants to develop.
“I’ll put in the tips, get a little more rebound, or make sure my peers aren’t scoring. I’ll defend at a high level or play for my teammates,” Knuppel said, outlined a comprehensive approach that influences the game.
While reaching Thompson’s level remains a key challenge, Charlotte appears to have secured a promising two-way talent who understands what it takes to contribute to winning basketball at the highest level.