Kon Knueppel earns Hornets' 'best player' label from Miles Bridges

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel has emerged as the top rookie standout, and the fourth pick in the NBA draft recently earned high praise from teammate Miles Bridges.

Knueppel is averaging 19.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 43.8% from 3-point range in 17 appearances with the Hornets. He leads the rookie class in scoring and is the only first-year player with multiple 30-point games this season.

The 20-year-old was nominated for Eastern Conference Player of the Week for a second time on Monday after scoring at least 20 points in each of the Hornets' past four games. Bridges has been impressed with Knueppel this season, via Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer.

"He has been great," Bridges said on Tuesday. "He has been our best player this year. He has been consistent and brings it every game. He brings it every day. That's just the type of person he is, so it has been great playing with him."

Knueppel ranks fourth in the league in total 3-pointers (63), the most by any player through the first 17 games of a career. He is on pace to shatter the rookie record, set by Keegan Murray with the Sacramento Kings during the 2022-23 season (206).

The former All-ACC second-team selection has solidified himself as the front-runner to win Rookie of the Year after the first month of the season. He has made a significant impact on both ends of the court for coach Charles Lee and the rest of the team.

Knueppel is off to a productive run with the team and has earned the trust of those around him. After a hot start, Knueppel should be in store for quite a rookie campaign.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets news: Kon Knueppel earns 'best player' title from teammate