NBA · Live Wire
Kon Knueppel ruled out for entire pre-season with left hamstring injury
Knueppel will be reassessed in the opening week of the regular season, leaving his availability for 21 October uncertain.
Lead
Kon Knueppel has sustained a left hamstring injury during off-season training and on-court activity, the Charlotte Hornets announced on 25 September. Source Source Source
The injury rules Knueppel out of the entire pre-season schedule. Source Source Source
His availability for the Hornets’ regular-season opener away to Brooklyn on 21 October remains uncertain. Source Source
The diagnosis
The reports identify the issue as a left hamstring injury, with the injury occurring during off-season work rather than in a reported game. Source Source Source
Knueppel is scheduled to be reassessed during the opening week of the regular season. Source Source Source
That assessment is the stated next checkpoint for his return, while the reports leave his status for opening night in doubt. Source Source Source
All three reports agree on the central points: a left hamstring injury, a full pre-season absence and a first-week regular-season reassessment. Source Source Source
Sporting impact
The timing removes Knueppel from every pre-season game after a rookie campaign in which he averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists across 81 appearances. Source Source Source
He was selected fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and finished second in 2025/26 Rookie of the Year voting. Source Source
Knueppel also became the first rookie to lead the NBA in total made three-pointers, recording 273 last season. Source Source
Grant Williams suffered a right hamstring injury in similar off-season circumstances and will also miss the pre-season schedule before a first-week regular-season reassessment. Source Source
The supplied reports do not identify which players will fill the pre-season minutes affected by the two absences. Source Source Source
Notes
The opening-week reassessment should provide the next indication of whether Knueppel can be available for the 21 October trip to Brooklyn. Source Source
For now, the confirmed timetable is limited to his pre-season absence and the planned regular-season review. Source Source Source
There is no material conflict between the cited reports on the injury, the pre-season absence or the planned reassessment window. Source Source Source
Key facts
5 data points- 2025/26 production
- 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in 81 appearances
- Source: RotoWire
