Charlotte Guard Kon Knueppel Exits Season Debut Early

Early Exit for Kon Knueppel

Charlotte guard Kon Knueppel had a short night in his season debut on Wednesday. Playing against the Brooklyn Nets, he lasted less than six minutes on the court before suffering another setback.

With 6:12 remaining in the first quarter, Knueppel was dribbling up the floor when he lost control of the ball out of bounds. He grimaced right away and was seen favoring his left leg. He did not return to the game and was officially ruled out at halftime due to what the team reported as soreness in his left leg.

Frustrating Setback for the Guard

This new issue appears to be an aggravation of the left hamstring injury that kept Knueppel out to start the year. He originally hurt his left hamstring during offseason on court work. That injury forced him to sit out the entire preseason along with the first eight games of the regular season.

Knueppel came into his second year with high expectations. As a rookie, he established himself as a building block for Charlotte, leading the league in three pointers and taking second place in the rookie of the year voting behind Cooper Flagg.

His brief appearance followed the return of teammate Coby White. White made his own season debut one game earlier after missing time with an offseason calf injury.

What it means for the next game

Boston Celtics at Charlotte Hornets (NBA, Sat, 07 Nov): Charlotte Hornets win 29%, Boston Celtics win 71%; projected score Charlotte Hornets 106, Boston Celtics 112. Our safest pick: Celtics +1.5.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets (NBA, Tue, 10 Nov): Charlotte Hornets win 41%, Cleveland Cavaliers win 59%; projected score Charlotte Hornets 112, Cleveland Cavaliers 114. Our safest pick: Hornets +10.5.