Kon Knueppel, the 6-foot-7, 217-pound guard/forward from Duke University, has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. After a standout freshman season with the Blue Devils, where he averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 47.9% from the field and an impressive 40.6% from beyond the arc, Knueppel’s draft stock has been steadily climbing. His poised, efficient playstyle and strong performance at the NBA Draft Combine have only strengthened his case as a potential lottery pick.
Knueppel’s game is defined by his elite shooting touch, advanced basketball IQ, and positional versatility. While he doesn’t dazzle with elite quickness or athleticism, he more than compensates with precision decision-making, off-ball movement, and a mature understanding of spacing and timing. In a league increasingly dependent on perimeter shooting and floor spacing, Knueppel profiles as a plug-and-play wing who can contribute on Day One.
Several teams in the lottery are evaluating Knueppel as a possible solution to their spacing and wing depth issues, and a few franchises stand out as particularly strong fits for his skill set.
One potential landing spot is the Brooklyn Nets, who hold the 8th overall pick. The Nets are in the early stages of a retooling phase centered around young talents like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton. Brooklyn struggled mightily with offensive consistency last season, particularly in terms of three-point shooting and off-ball offense. Knueppel could help address both. His ability to hit shots off screens, maintain spacing, and make smart reads in motion would provide immediate value. He could thrive playing alongside Thomas, giving Brooklyn a reliable floor-spacer who doesn’t require high usage.
The Toronto Raptors, picking at No. 9, are another strong candidate. With a roster anchored by Scottie Barnes and a recently acquired Brandon Ingram, the Raptors are building a positionless, multi-dimensional core. However, they’ve lacked efficient perimeter shooters to maximize their offense. Knueppel’s catch-and-shoot ability, combined with his high-IQ team defense, makes him an ideal complement to Barnes’ playmaking and Ingram’s shot creation. His fit would be seamless, giving the Raptors another cerebral piece to deploy in their fluid offensive sets.
Utah is also considered a prime destination. The Jazz, with the 5th pick, have been linked to Knueppel in several mock drafts. Although that might seem high for some, Utah’s draft strategy has consistently focused on skill-based players with high upside and low bust potential. The Jazz are quietly building a roster that values floor balance and intelligent play. Knueppel’s ability to contribute right away as a connector and shooter fits that mold. Surrounded by rising stars like Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, he could carve out a role quickly and grow into a key piece of the core.
The Washington Wizards, selecting at No. 6, are another team in desperate need of foundational pieces. In a full rebuild, Washington is prioritizing high-character, coachable players who can grow into leadership roles. Knueppel’s maturity and unselfish style of play would bring stability to a team searching for direction. With little pressure to carry the offense right away, he would have the space and time to develop his off-the-dribble game and defense without being rushed into a starring role.
While Knueppel is unlikely to become a traditional franchise centerpiece, his value lies in his dependability and complementary excellence. He doesn’t force shots, makes the right pass, and works within the structure of an offense—traits that every NBA team covets but few rookies possess. He also brings the pedigree of high-level college competition, having played against top talent night after night in the ACC.
As the draft draws closer, scouts and executives will weigh his lack of top-tier athleticism against his shooting, decision-making, and fit in modern NBA systems. But in an era where shooting gravity and smart team play are more prized than ever, Knueppel offers a rare mix of floor spacing and discipline that few other prospects in this class can match.
Whether he lands in Brooklyn, Toronto, Utah, or Washington, Knueppel is poised to make an immediate and meaningful impact at the next level. He may not be the flashiest player on draft night, but he could very well be among the most reliable.
