Knueppel's Rookie Season: NBA's New Star

0:00It's April 18th. You're listening to Charlotte Hornets News today. AI Power coverage of your team. I'm Cory with the story. Condoepo lit up the league as a rookie for the Charlotte Hornets this past 2025-2026 season. The 20-year-old guard drained 273 three-pointers, becoming the first rookie ever to lead the NBA in that stat. His consistency in 18.5 points per game average have him right in the mix to challenge Cooper Flag for rookie of the year honors. Earlier this week, Steve Kerr drew comparisons between Newepple and Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, citing their wing size, catching shoot skills, and high basketball IQ. But Mullin pushed back during an interview, saying Newepple is already way ahead of where he was at age 20, still in college at St. John's Back. Then, Mullin was real about it, emitting he averaged his 14 points as a rookie with the Warriors, who won only 30 games. Newepple's impact powered the Hornets' offense into the top five, shifting their identity after years without playoff hopes.

1:02That said, Mullin upgraded the comp to Larry Bird, noting Newepple's elite spacing fits today's game perfectly at 6-6. Bird, though, was a total force as a rookie 21 points and 10 rebounds, turning a bad Celtics team into a 61-win juggernaut. While Newepple's regular season was fire, he struggled late against Orlando and others, shooting cold in key spots. Still, at just 20, he's got that bird-like potential brewing for the Hornets' future runs.