College Basketball

NBA Draft 2025: Kon Knueppel Scouting Report, NBA Comparison, & Projection

Author photo
By
Ben Pfeifer
Author photo
Ben Pfeifer Sports Editor

Ben Pfeifer graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in Psychology and Journalism. He has worked in basketball scouting covering the NBA and the draft for over a half-decade, working for various outlets. Now, he covers the NBA, the draft and high school basketball.

Get to know Ben Pfeifer better
Sports Editor

Published05 Apr 2025

Disclosure
We publish independently audited content meeting strict editorial standards. While our content features sponsored links, from which we may earn a commission, this does not influence our recommendations.
Image via Fayetteville Observer

Knueppel has blossomed into a true star beneath the shadow of Cooper Flagg’s greatness. He brings everything NBA teams covet on the wing — size, shooting, handling and passing feel. Knueppel profiles like one of the better offensive prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.

  • Team: Duke
  • Height: 6’7
  • Weight: 217 lbs
  • Wingspan: 
  • Age: 19.9 (August 3, 2005)

Kon Knueppel—Wing, Duke (19.9 years old)

 

Advanced Impact Score per 40 minutes: 11.3 (18th)

NBA Comparison: Desmond Bane, Cameron Johnson

Tall, versatile offensive wings like Bane and Johnson offer pathways for Knueppel to succeed. Knueppel could mirror Bane to reach star-level impact, excelling as a versatile shooter, secondary playmaker and physical driver. He’s closer to Bane’s size than Johnson’s, but he should add value on offense with or without the ball, with the size and savvy to survive on defense without high-end athletic tools.

Strengths

  • Silky smooth shooter both on and off the ball with elite volume, free throw shooting and shot diversity
  • Surgical playmaker with the ball in his hands, constantly making correct decisions and hitting high-value passes for lobs and threes
  • Phenomenal pace and control with the ball, plays at his own speed
  • Plays off of two feet in the lane to draw fouls and bait out pump fakes to score in the intermediate
  • Drives with enough burst and quickness to beat defenders off of the dribble
  • Smart, well-positioned off-ball defender, especially in the paint where he contests with verticality

Weaknesses

  • Lacks the lateral quickness and hip mobility to mirror quicker players
  • Can struggle to evade ball screens when defending the point of attack
  • Reliant on craft and touch to score at the rim without exceptional vertical explosion
  • Lacks the high-end athletic tools to consistently generate advantages without a screen

Offensive role: Secondary Playmaker/Versatile Shooter

Defensive role: Off-Ball Helper

2025 NBA Draft Projection: Round 1, Top 10

Knueppel’s offensive firepower and scalability mean he’ll fit seamlessly into any offensive system. His lack of high-end physical tools could lower his ultimate ceiling, but players with his shooting, size and feel for the game often develop into stars. He’s an excellent bet inside the top 10 for teams needing more complementary talent.