Hornets' Kon Knueppel injures his left hamstring and could miss the start of the season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel will miss the entire preseason and possibly the team’s regular-season opener after sustaining a left hamstring injury during on-court activity.

The team said Friday that Knueppel, who led the NBA in 3-pointers last season as a rookie, will be reevaluated during the first week of the season.

The Hornets open the regular season on Oct. 21 against Brooklyn.

The No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Knueppel averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 81 games. He was runner-up for NBA Rookie of the Year, first team All-Rookie and a four-time Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. He made 273 3s, shattering the previous rookie record of 206 held by Keegan Murray.

Hornets forward Grant Williams will also miss the preseason with a hamstring injury and will be evaluated during the first week of the season, the team said.

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