Most 3-pointers by a rookie: How Hornets' Kon Knueppel made NBA history by leading league in 3PM originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kon Knueppel was always viewed as a high-floor draft prospect thanks to his shooting ability and size. But the Charlotte Hornets may even be surprised how quickly he became a premiere offensive talent in the NBA.
The rookie forward wrapped up his debut regular season on Sunday night, one in which he helped Charlotte improve to Eastern Conference Play-In contention with his sharpshooting abilities.
In multiple ways, Knueppel has made both Hornets and NBA history with his shooting from deep in 2025-26 -- and by officially leading the league in 3-pointers made, he's done something no rookie has before.
Here's a look at Knueppel's historic rookie season and how it compares to the best debut shooting performances ever.
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Knueppel, with 273 shots made from deep this season, has blown past the rookie record for 3-pointers made. It was previously held by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings in 2022-23.
That wasn't the only way that Knueppel made shooting history.
His 273 3-pointers made also officially led the entire NBA, barely besting his teammate, LaMelo Ball, who had 272. Knueppel became the first rookie to ever lead the league in total 3-pointers made.
Kon Knueppel is the only rookie in NBA history to lead the league in 3-pointers made 👏 pic.twitter.com/yPyGfyU9wq
With each making over 270 threes this season, Knueppel and Ball became the first teammates to do that since Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the 2022-23 Warriors.
KON WINS NBA 3PT RACE OVER LAMELO BY ONE THREE 🤯LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel are the first duo with 270+ threes each in a season since Steph and Klay 😳 pic.twitter.com/RReU3h3uJH
On the season, Knueppel finished with averages of 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. By clearing the 15-point and 5-rebound thresholds while shooting at least 40% from 3-point range, Knueppel joined elite rookie company:
There are three rookies in NBA history who averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 40% from 3-point range for the season.Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Kon Knueppel.
Here's a look at the leaders in total 3PM this NBA season: