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.
