Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Kon Knueppel
Position: Guard/Forward
College: Duke
Class: Freshman
Height/Weight: 6'7", 217 lbs
Birthdate: August 3, 2005
High School: Wisconsin Lutheran (WI)
Player Overview
Kon Knueppel is a polished offensive prospect who excels as a three-level scorer, combining elite shooting mechanics, advanced footwork, and a high basketball IQ. His ability to read defenses and adjust off screens makes him an effective and versatile offensive weapon. Knueppel’s catch-and-shoot game is particularly strong, and his quick release allows him to thrive as a floor spacer. Despite his offensive skill set, Knueppel faces questions about his athleticism and lateral quickness, which affect his defensive consistency and ability to guard NBA-caliber wings. Improving his explosiveness and change-of-pace play will be critical for him to maximize his potential at the next level.
"Knueppel, a sharpshooter with a high basketball IQ, excels as a shooter but has teased there's much more to his game. He has quickly risen as a top prospect." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Three-Level Scoring: Excels in scoring from beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim with polished mechanics.
Shooting Efficiency: Knueppel’s catch-and-shoot game and ability to shoot off screens make him a consistent offensive threat.
High Basketball IQ: Reads defenses exceptionally well, particularly when coming off screens or in set plays.
Elite Footwork: Uses precise and efficient footwork to create space for scoring opportunities.
Positional Size: At 6'7", Knueppel has the size to compete as a wing initiator or secondary playmaker.
Concerns
Athleticism: Not overly explosive and struggles with lateral quickness, occasionally, which impacts his ability to guard athletic wings.
Defensive Consistency: Knueppel must improve his defensive presence to become a two-way player.
Change of Pace: Tends to play at one speed in transition while attacking off the dribble, limiting his unpredictability.
Limited Transition Play: His lack of athletic burst makes him less effective in fast-break situations compared to more athletic opponents.
Questions
Can Knueppel develop better defensive fundamentals and lateral quickness to guard NBA-caliber wings?
Will he improve his explosiveness to complement his shooting and scoring ability?
Can he add more change-of-pace moves to make him a more dynamic offensive player?
Bottom Line
Kon Knueppel’s shooting mechanics, basketball IQ, and three-level scoring ability make him a highly valuable offensive prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft. While his athletic limitations and defensive inconsistencies raise questions, his offensive polish and size give him significant upside as a versatile scorer and wing initiator. If Knueppel can enhance his athleticism and defensive presence, he has the potential to become a key contributor in the NBA.