Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel recently received an encouraging message from NBA veteran Klay Thompson during an interview with Taylor Rooks for Bleacher Report. Known for wanting to shape his playing style after Thompson, Knueppel expressed gratitude for the veteran’s support, which came as a motivating boost early in his professional journey.
Thompson Shares Encouragement to Young Hornets Talent
Klay Thompson acknowledged Knueppel’s admiration and expressed respect for the emerging generation of players like him who are poised to carry the NBA forward. Thompson congratulated Knueppel and his Duke teammate Cooper Flagg on their impressive performances as freshmen, noting how rare such early success is in the league.
Just wanted to wish you well, and thanks for the words of trying to model your game after me,
Thompson said.
It makes me feel kind of old, but also very appreciative of great young athletes like yourself who are coming to take over the league and carry on the torch of what we started.
—Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks guard
And what you and Cooper [Flagg] did last season and the rest of the guys, incredible run,
he added.
Especially for a bunch of freshmen, that’s unheard of, really. Some Fab 5 stuff. I’m just excited for your next chapter in the league. Never lose that confidence that got you here, especially when shooting the basketball.
—Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks guard
Advice on Becoming a Two-Way Player and Enjoying the Rookie Season
Thompson, known for his defensive abilities in addition to his scoring, encouraged Knueppel to embrace the challenge of becoming a strong two-way player. Highlighting his own defensive persistence even late into his career, Thompson stressed the importance of versatility and effort on both ends of the floor.
And I heard you aspire to be a two-way player,
Thompson noted.
That’s something I prided myself on for a long time. I can still guard now, don’t think my days of guarding are long gone. I can still get out there and switch onto a point guard or the four-man if I have to.
—Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks guard
He also advised Knueppel to savor every moment of his rookie year, reminding him how quickly the initial NBA experience passes.
Enjoy your rookie year as much as you can because it will go by faster than you can blink an eye,
Thompson said. So, be well, brother. —Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks guard
Kon Knueppel’s Promising Start and Summer League Success
Selected fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft following a standout freshman year at Duke, Knueppel impressed with averages of 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.2 blocks per game, helping Duke reach the Final Four. His shooting prowess and poise caught the eye of many, drawing direct comparisons to Thompson’s style.
During the Summer League, Knueppel continued to demonstrate his offensive skills, averaging 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks across his last two outings, including a sharp 46.1 percent shooting from three-point range. While his offensive potential is evident, there remains room for growth, particularly on defense, before he can truly develop into the elite two-way player Thompson once was.
Rookie’s Reaction to Thompson’s Encouragement
Knueppel was visibly moved by the veteran’s message, valuing the recognition from a longtime NBA star and role model. When asked if he had anything to say back to Thompson, Knueppel shared enthusiastic praise, highlighting his admiration for Thompson’s confidence and off-ball movement.
I don’t know if I should say that,
Knueppel admitted.
I loved when he did the big ball celebration. Tell him that, because that was awesome. That’s what he has, he’s got cojones… Tell him he’s the best off-ball mover ever. He’s better than Steph [Curry], in my opinion.
—Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets rookie
Thompson’s iconic celebration during the 2019 NBA Finals remains memorable to fans and players alike, symbolizing the confidence that has defined his career.
Looking Ahead to Future Matchups and Rivalries
Klay Thompson, now with the Dallas Mavericks, finished the 2024-25 season averaging 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. Although the Mavericks missed the playoffs, winning the Draft Lottery enabled them to select Cooper Flagg with the top overall pick, who was also a Duke teammate of Knueppel’s.
With Knueppel and Flagg both entering the league alongside Thompson, fans can anticipate exciting matchups when these talented players face each other in the upcoming season—a thrilling prospect for the Hornets, Mavericks, and the NBA as a whole.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Klay Thompson’s religion?
A. Thompson and his siblings grew up practicing the Catholic faith. At 14, his family relocated to Ladera Ranch, California. He completed his high school education at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita in 2008.