Duke alum Kon Knueppel, the sharpshooting rookie who has quickly become a fan favorite, represented the Charlotte Hornets at the NBA Draft Lottery this past Sunday. Just a year after being selected by the team, Knueppel stepped into the spotlight in a ceremonial role, highlighting his growing presence in the league.

The Hornets entered the lottery with the longest odds imaginable—just a 0.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick—after a strong season from Knueppel that nearly pushed Charlotte out of the lottery entirely. The former Blue Devil averaged an impressive 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, showcasing the scoring touch that made him a top-five pick last year.

Unfortunately, Knueppel's luck couldn't swing the odds in Charlotte's favor. The Hornets ended up holding steady at the No. 14 selection, a result that mirrors the team's previous lottery struggles despite having the best odds just a season ago.

However, there's a silver lining for Charlotte fans. The Hornets are one of only six NBA teams holding two first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, with the No. 18 selection also in their pocket. They join an elite group that includes the Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and Oklahoma City Thunder—a sign that the franchise is building for the future with both Knueppel's development and draft capital in mind.

For basketball fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this is a reminder that the draft lottery is just the beginning. Whether you're rocking a Knueppel jersey or stocking up on Hornets gear, the excitement of draft season is all about hope and potential.