Kon Knuepple is one of my favorite prospects in the draft and really fits what the rockets need. 2/3 shooter with strength and size. Can really shoot it, can actually play inside and get to the rim, good handles, excellent passer and facilitator, willing defender, excellent processor and BBall IQ. Would have gotten more attention had he not played in the shadow of Cooper flag. Some folks raise athleticism concerns, but they said the same thing about Klay Thompson. If he’s available at #9 he’s BPA.
Love Kon for all the reasons you laid out, but believe he goes in the 5-7 range at worst. Maybe a trade up?
I know he's not Reed Sheppard but do you still think the Rockets draft him? He's slow and can't guard
The one argument for him falling to our range is that he doesn’t have star potential. Most lotto teams want to take their shot at a star rather than a role player on steroids. Although I could see the Spurs seeing him as a fit.
It’s tough because if we luck into the top 4 we probably aren’t taking Kon. I think Kon should be in the conversation at #3 or #4, but there’s a good chance we take a “higher rated” player or trade the pick. And if we pick at #9 I don’t see Kon falling that far. You’re right that teams in the lotto usually want to take big swings on upside, but Kon’s floor is so high and shooting is so valued, I just can’t see him slipping to #9. He’s worth trading up for, but those kinds of deals rarely come together. We’d probably have to go up as high as #4 or #5 to get him.
The nipple is way too slow to be a neutral defender. He will be a traffic cone. Udoka does not want…..
The thing people aren’t talking about enough with Kon is his handles. He’s got very good handles and he’s a very good passer. He can be a hub on the court…in addition to the shooting.
I could envision Kon and Sheppard draining 3’s all game long. If the left one doesn’t get you, the right one will. Imagine high volume shooting from the 3 point line, while hitting upwards of 40% from the 3 pt line for two of your starters. But unless the Rockets slide into the top 6, there is no guarantee Kon is there. Though I had seen a few of the early mock drafts that had Kon falling to #10; but now it seems all of those mock drafts have Kon slotted at a firm #6
I think you are overselling it if you say he has good size for a 2/3, and if you say his athleticism is comprable to Klay. I like Kon. I have trouble seeing him translate to the NBA. Hope I am wrong, my pre-draft takes are usually wrong.
I created the thread before the combine measurables came out so I take back the size comment, but he does have good size for a 2.
Obviously would be nice , hoping either he or Kasparas would be there at 10, this is a weird draft though so who knows. Plus: very good shooter, very good connector, can run some pick and roll, pretty big for a 2, generally a obvious "knows how to play" guy. Negative: not very athletic obviously, probably will be roasted by good wing / guards. The down side I guess is that if it's kind of hard to see him as a starter if the starting PG is Reed, and if it's Amen then there's not enough guys to guard smaller guards maybe. Kasparas seems like he has more on ball upside, but obviously Kon has a more clear offensive role and also show at least some on ball upsides.
Yeah, agree he doesn't have the highest ceiling, but he may have the highest floor after picks 1 & 2. He's super smart and efficient player, who just makes your team better with his BBIQ, shooting, and hustle. Duke really didn't have a primary PG and he ended up doing quite a bit of playmaking.
Something the Rockets are currently missing and something Ime should want on his team, but probably doesn't value as much as he should.
