The Charlotte Hornets finally have a clear sign that Kon Knueppel is ready to play. The team sent the forward to the Greensboro Swarm for a practice session on Thursday. This move means the 21-year-old is getting his legs back under him after missing the first five games. He was injured during offseason work, and fans have been waiting to see him shoot in a real game. The team confirmed the assignment in a post on X, stating, “OFFICIAL: @hornets have assigned forward Kon Knueppel to the @greensboroswarm for today’s practice.” It is a huge step forward for a player who led the league in three-pointers last year.
The Path Back From Injury
Knueppel missed the entire preseason and the start of this season due to a strained left hamstring. He suffered the injury just over a month ago. Now, he is using the G League to build up his stamina without the pressure of a full NBA game. These assignments are standard for players recovering from soft tissue issues. Basketnews.com wrote on the team’s decision, “This move is part of his rehabilitation process. Assignments to a G League affiliate for practice are commonly used to give recovering players additional on-court work.” The Hornets need his scoring punch badly. Brandon Miller is averaging 25.6 points per game, but he cannot carry the load alone forever.
No Date Set Yet
The team has not set a specific date for his return. Head coach Charles Lee spoke at a press conference and admitted they still do not have a plan. “No timeline, as far as I know right now,” the Hornets coach said. He added, “I hope that during this road trip, or after the road trip, we’ll get a little bit more information.” The team is playing the Washington Wizards on Friday and the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. Lee might wait until after this trip to make a call. Some reports from ESPN’s injury report suggest a return date of November 2, but that is just a guess until the coach confirms it.
The Hornets need Knueppel to help them compete in the Eastern Conference. Last season, he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 18.5 points. Without him, the team has won three of five games despite losing to the Pistons on Wednesday. The loss to Detroit showed how much the team struggles without their top shooter. Naz Reid was benched for not meeting standards, and the offense stalled. The team traded LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, so they need the young talent to step up. If he practices well on Thursday, he could be ready for the Pistons game on Monday.
