Hornets' Kon Knueppel Joins Luka Doncic In Elite NBA History -- In Just 42 Games

Last Updated:January 19, 2026, 19:18 IST

Kon Knueppel matches Luka Doncic as the fastest NBA player to reach 100 twos, 100 threes, and 100 free throws, and sets Hornets records.

Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel (AFP)

Kon Knueppel’s rookie season isn’t just promising: it’s already historic.

In just 42 NBA games, the Charlotte Hornets rookie has matched Luka Doncic as the fastest player in league history to reach a rare scoring trifecta: 100 two-pointers, 100 three-pointers, and 100 free throws.

That’s not a typo. And it’s not a small-name list either.

Knueppel’s rapid rise continued Sunday night, when he scored 14 points in Charlotte’s 110-87 win over the Denver Nuggets. That outing pushed him past 800 career points, making him the fastest player in Hornets franchise history to reach the mark.

The NBA confirmed the milestone shortly after, and the company Knueppel now keeps is elite — since 2020, only Victor Wembanyama, Paolo Banchero, and Zion Williamson have reached 800 points faster overall.

But where Knueppel is really separating himself is from deep.

Through his first 40 career games, the former Duke standout has knocked down 137 three-pointers — the most ever by a player at that stage of their career. For context:

• Luka Doncic had 96
• Damian Lillard had 92
• Stephen Curry? Just 61

No one else has even come close.

Knueppel is averaging 8 three-point attempts per game, but it’s not volume for volume’s sake. He’s hitting them at an elite clip, shooting 43.4% from deep, best on the Hornets among regular rotation players. He’s just as automatic at the line too, leading the team at 89.2% from the stripe.

Across 41 games, the 20-year-old is putting up 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per night, quickly becoming Charlotte’s most reliable scoring option — even if the standings don’t reflect it yet.

The Hornets may still be finding their footing, but Knueppel’s trajectory is unmistakable.

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