NBA Analyst Guarantees Kon Knueppel Will Make 2028 U.S. Olympic Team
The Duke basketball program made history in the 2025 NBA Draft, with all five starters hearing their names called. Among them was Kon Knueppel, who went fourth overall to the Charlotte Hornets. Now, one NBA analyst has made a bold prediction about his future.
On The Zach Lowe Show, Bill Simmons guaranteed Knueppel would make the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team—an eye-catching statement considering Simmons chose him over No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as one of the best NBA prospects in years.
“I rarely do this,” Simmons said. “I guarantee this guy is going to be on the [USA] team in 2028. Kon Knueppel. I’m guaranteeing he’ll be one of the 12 guys in 2028.”
That “guarantee” implies Simmons sees Knueppel as one of the NBA’s top dozen players within the next few seasons—a lofty projection, but one Duke fans may not find far-fetched.
Knueppel was one of the most complete players in his draft class. Known for his elite defensive instincts, high motor, and the best shooting stroke among rookies, he brings a well-rounded game that makes him a plug-and-play starter for almost any franchise.
The Wisconsin native has already backed up the hype, leading the Hornets to a Las Vegas Summer League championship while earning MVP honors. Across the tournament, he averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Now set to slot into Charlotte’s rotation, Knueppel’s off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot ability should complement ball-dominant guards LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller perfectly. While Flagg may carry the bigger name, Knueppel’s seamless fit with the Hornets could give him an early edge in the Rookie of the Year race.
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