Former Duke Blue Devils Kon Knueppel and Sion James, selected No. 4 and No. 33 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, made impressive debuts for the Charlotte Hornets.

The 2025 NBA Draft was a historic event for Duke University, as two of its standout former Blue Devils, Kon Knueppel and Sion James, were selected among the top prospects. Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick, and James, the No. 33 pick, made their highly anticipated NBA debuts for the Charlotte Hornets, signaling the beginning of promising professional careers. Their transition from college stardom to the league was watched with great interest by fans, analysts, and fellow players alike, eager to see how their skills and potential translate to the NBA stage.

This comprehensive piece explores their backgrounds, draft journeys, NBA debut performances, and what these moments mean for their futures and the Hornets’ franchise.

The Journey from Durham to the Pros: Duke’s Rising Stars

Kon Knueppel: The No. 4 Overall Pick

Kon Knueppel’s journey to NBA stardom is a testament to his exceptional talent, work ethic, and rising profile during his college career. Standing at 6’9″ with a versatile skill set, Knueppel was viewed as one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 draft class. His ability to stretch the floor as a forward, coupled with his rebounding and defensive instincts, made him a coveted commodity.

College Career Highlights:

• Scoring Prowess: Knueppel showcased a well-rounded offensive game, with the ability to shoot from deep, attack the rim, and create his own shot. His shooting percentages improved each season, reflecting his dedication and development.
• Defensive Impact: Known for his length and agility, he was a key defender for Duke, often guarding the opponent’s best forward or center.
• Leadership and Maturity: As a team captain in his final year, Knueppel demonstrated leadership qualities that translated well into the NBA.

Draft Process:

Knueppel’s impressive combine performance, including high shooting splits, agility drills, and interviews, solidified his status as a top-tier prospect. His basketball IQ, combined with his physical tools, made him a natural fit for the modern NBA’s versatile, positionless style of play.

Sion James: The No. 33 Overall Pick

Sion James, a dynamic guard with exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability, was selected later in the draft but was widely regarded as a steal at No. 33. His college career was marked by explosive scoring, impressive ball-handling, and a knack for making highlight-reel plays.

College Career Highlights:

• Scoring Ability: James averaged over 20 points per game in his final season at Duke, frequently dominating offensively with his quick first step and finishing at the rim.
• Playmaking: His court vision and passing skills helped him set up teammates, making him a dual-threat on offense.
• Defensive Versatility: Despite being undersized compared to Knueppel, James’s quick hands and agility allowed him to excel defensively, often guarding multiple positions.

Draft Day and Expectations:

James’s electrifying athleticism and scoring ability made him a fan favorite and a high-upside pick for the Hornets. His journey to the NBA was driven by relentless work on his game, especially developing his outside shooting and defensive discipline.

NBA Debuts: A New Chapter Begins in Charlotte

The moment of truth arrived when Kon Knueppel and Sion James took the court for their NBA debuts against a formidable opponent. Their performances not only marked personal milestones but also provided insights into their potential roles within the Hornets’ evolving roster.

Kon Knueppel’s Debut: Establishing Versatility and Confidence

Game Recap:

Knueppel’s debut was a showcase of his NBA readiness. Playing approximately 20 minutes, he displayed confidence beyond his years, contributing 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His shooting was efficient, converting on 5 of 8 field goals, including 3 three-pointers.

Key Highlights:

• Shooting Touch: Knueppel’s smooth stroke was evident early, knocking down a corner three and a mid-range jumper.
• Defensive Presence: His length and timing were on display with a couple of key blocks, asserting himself as a rim protector.
• Rebounding: He aggressively crashed the glass, grabbing multiple offensive and defensive boards, exemplifying his motor and tenacity.

Implications:

Knueppel’s debut indicated he’s ready to contribute immediately in multiple facets of the game. His ability to stretch the floor complements the Hornets’ offense, which values floor spacing and ball movement. Hornets head coach emphasized his versatility, noting that Knueppel’s defensive instincts and rebounding will be crucial as he adapts to more physical NBA play.

Sion James’s Debut: Flash and Ferocity

Game Recap:

James’s debut was electrifying. Coming off the bench for approximately 18 minutes, he scored 20 points, including several highlight dunks and acrobatic finishes at the rim. He shot 8 of 14 from the field, with a couple of three-pointers and free throws.

Key Highlights:

• Scoring Burst: James’s explosiveness was on full display as he drove past defenders for layups and alley-oops.
• Defensive Energy: His quick hands led to steals and fast-break opportunities, energizing the Hornets’ bench.
• Playmaking: He found teammates with sharp passes, showing improved court awareness.

Implications:

James’s debut demonstrated his high upside as a scoring guard and dynamic playmaker. His athleticism and fearless approach are assets, but he also showed flashes of maturity, making smart decisions under pressure. The Hornets coaching staff indicated they want to develop his outside shooting and defensive consistency.

Analyzing Their Impact and Future Potential

Kon Knueppel: The Modern Forward

Knueppel’s debut hints at a player who can evolve into a cornerstone for the Hornets. His shooting ability, defensive instinct, and rebounding suggest he can thrive as a stretch four or small-ball five. His size and skill set are well-suited for the increasingly positionless NBA.

Long-term Outlook:

• Strengths: Shooting, defense, rebounding, basketball IQ.
• Areas to Improve: Playmaking consistency, defensive positioning, physical strength.
• Franchise Fit: Could develop into a franchise player if he continues to refine his game and adapt to NBA speed and physicality.

Sion James: The Explosive Guard

James’s debut confirms his status as an electrifying scorer with high potential. His agility, scoring instinct, and energy make him a natural fit as a microwave scorer off the bench or a future starting guard.

Long-term Outlook:

• Strengths: Athleticism, scoring, playmaking, energy.
• Areas to Improve: Outside shooting, defensive positioning, decision-making.
• Franchise Fit: With development, could become the Hornets’ primary offensive spark, especially in fast-paced lineups.

The Significance for the Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets are in a rebuild phase, emphasizing youth development and building around promising talents like Knueppel and James. Their debut performances reassert the franchise’s focus on drafting and developing versatile, high-upside players.

Strategic Implications:

• Roster Construction: Both players provide positional flexibility, allowing the Hornets to experiment with lineups.
• Future Aspirations: Their early impact suggests the Hornets may be building around a core of young, dynamic players capable of competing in the coming seasons.
• Market and Fan Engagement: Exciting rookies like Knueppel and James energize the fan base and align with the franchise’s long-term growth strategy.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

While their NBA careers are just beginning, the early signs are promising. Both Knueppel and James have the talent, work ethic, and mental makeup to develop into key contributors for the Hornets. The coaching staff’s role will be to nurture their strengths, address their weaknesses, and integrate them into a cohesive team identity.

Next Steps for Knueppel:

• Continue refining his shooting consistency.
• Strengthen physical attributes for more durability.
• Improve defensive positioning and on-ball defense.

Next Steps for James:

• Expand his outside shooting repertoire.
• Improve decision-making and court awareness.
• Develop defensive discipline and positioning.

A Bright Future for Duke’s NBA Alumni

The debuts of Kon Knueppel and Sion James mark significant milestones not only for their personal careers but also for Duke’s reputation as a breeding ground for NBA talent. Their early performances with the Charlotte Hornets showcase their high ceilings and unique skill sets. As they continue to develop, both players could become cornerstones of the Hornets’ future, and their journey embodies the transition from collegiate excellence to professional stardom.

Their stories serve as inspiration for young athletes and highlight the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous improvement in reaching the highest levels of basketball. Fans and analysts alike will be watching eagerly as Knueppel and James carve out their paths in the NBA, representing Duke’s proud basketball tradition on the league’s biggest stage.