Kon Kneuppel Is Already Making NBA History — and He’s Just Getting Started

The NBA has a new mark in the record books.

In only his 59th game, Kon Kneuppel of the Charlotte Hornets has officially rewritten the NBA rookie three-point record, draining his 207th three-pointer Monday night to eclipse the previous all-time rookie mark — an accomplishment that puts him in elite territory not just among first-year players, but among the league’s best shooters overall.

What makes this record even more remarkable isn’t just the number — it’s how quickly he got there.

A Historic Fast Break

Previously, no rookie in NBA history had ever hit 207 made threes in a season. And certainly not in fewer than 60 games.

Kneuppel did it in an astonishingly efficient 59 games, showcasing a combination of volume, accuracy and confidence that few guards — rookie or veteran — possess.

For perspective:

  • He’s averaging over 3 made threes per game, an elite rate in any era of NBA basketball.
  • His shooting has been a critical weapon in keeping Charlotte competitive night in and night out.
  • He’s doing it with efficiency — not just attempts — a sign of elite shot selection and skill.

Through 59 games, Kneuppel has proven that his shot isn’t just coming — it’s clicking.

More Than Just a Shooter

While the record headlines his night, Kneuppel’s impact stretches beyond the arc.

He’s added:

  • Improved playmaking when defenses over-close
  • Off-ball movement that creates space for teammates
  • A confidence that helps rally his team in tight moments

Opposing defenses have to respect his scoring threat from deep, which in turn opens driving lanes and disrupts standard coverages. That versatility makes him more than a catch-and-shoot specialist — he’s a major offensive fulcrum.

What This Means for Charlotte

The Hornets have long been in a rebuilding phase, but Kneuppel’s breakout season signals the arrival of a franchise cornerstone.

His historic shooting numbers:

  • Electrify the fanbase
  • Change how opponents prepare defensively
  • Give Charlotte a legitimate offensive weapon that few teams can neutralize

For a young Hornets team eager to raise its ceiling in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference, Kneuppel’s record is more than a stat — it’s a statement.

Rookie Peach State Vibes… Everywhere

In a league where three-point shooting has become the DNA of elite offenses, Kneuppel is rewriting the narrative for what a freshman can do from deep.

He’s not just chasing a stat.

He’s redefining what it means to be an impactful, game-shaping rookie.

What’s Next

With at least 20+ games remaining in the season, Kneuppel now has a chance to finish his rookie campaign as one of the most prolific three-point shooters — ever.

And if this record is any indication:

He might not just set a new benchmark.

He might make it untouchable for years to come.

Charlotte has its sharpshooter. The NBA has a new rookie legend. And the future just got a whole lot brighter.

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Landon Kardian