In just 59 games, he became the all-time rookie leader.

The most prolific three-point shooting rookie in history, Kon Kneppel officially secured that distinction today. In the Hornets' dominant victory against the Pacers, Kneppel went 10 for 17 from the field and 8 for 12 from beyond the arc, scoring 28 points and elevating his total three-pointers made to 209.

In the last game, Kneppel had just become the fastest player to ever hit 200 three-pointers, taking only 58 games. Today, he set another record, as his 209 threes surpassed Keegan Murray to break the rookie record for three-pointers made.

Murray achieved the rookie three-point crown that season by appearing in 80 games and making 206 threes, thanks to excellent availability. Kon, however, has played only 59 games so far this season to become the all-time rookie leader, accomplishing it in 21 fewer games than Murray—truly astonishing.

He is currently averaging 3.5 three-pointers per game. With 22 games remaining in the Hornets' season, if Kon maintains this shooting efficiency and plays every game, he could finish the season with around 286 three-pointers. This is a conservative estimate, considering he has averaged over five threes per game in his last eight outings.

The NBA single-season record for three-pointers made is Stephen Curry's 402, a mark that seems nearly unbreakable. If Kon makes 300+ threes this season, he would rank among the top ten single-season performances in league history. Klay Thompson's career-high of 301 threes in a season currently sits tenth.

Currently, Kon leads the league in three-pointers made this season with 209, placing him first. Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Maxey are tied for second with 191 threes each, already trailing Kon by a noticeable margin. Of course, if Curry stays healthy, he would likely reclaim the top spot on this list.

What's key about Kon is not just his high volume, but also his elite accuracy. Today featured another staggering performance, going 8-for-12 from deep. His current three-point percentage is 44.2%, ranking sixth in the league. Among the players ahead of him, only Sam Merrill has made more than 120 threes, far fewer than Kon's total.

In the discussion of three-point shooting alone, Kon has long transcended the typical rookie conversation. Combining his percentage and volume, he is arguably the best three-point shooter in the league this season, bar none.

The Pacers' defense today was indeed lacking, making it seem like Kon could knock down a three every time he had an open look. Now, when other teams face the Hornets, they simply cannot afford to give Kon easy opportunities. A momentary lapse, allowing him to find space, results in an immediate three-point attempt.

Over the last four games, Kon has averaged 27.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 56.7% from the field and 54.8% from three-point range. In the five games since the All-Star break, his 26 made threes lead the entire league. He isn't immune to off-nights, but even when he starts cold, he often manages to bring his three-point percentage back to around 50% by the end of the game—remarkable for a rookie.

Therefore, in the latest rookie rankings, Kon has overtaken Flagg to reclaim the top spot. Of course, Flagg has now missed five consecutive games with a mid-foot sprain, which appears more serious than initially thought. Under normal circumstances, Flagg, with the Mavericks' green light to shoot at will, would be the favorite for Rookie of the Year—a narrative the league likely desires for the rise of its next American star.

But if Flagg's absence continues and Kon maintains this scorching form through the season's end, the Rookie of the Year race could become genuinely unpredictable. The Mavericks are sliding again, so team record may not be a factor, while the Hornets are pushing for a Play-In spot, having won 13 of their last 16 games.

A startling statistic: since the start of 2026, the top three in NBA three-pointers made are LaMelo Ball (99), Kon Kneppel (92), and Brandon Miller (90). The Hornets' trio of snipers has become one of the league's most formidable offensive arsenals, with all three averaging around 20 points per game, creating a multi-pronged attack that is difficult for defenses to contain.

Watching Kon play, you might even miss some of the typical enjoyment of watching a rookie develop, because he is already so polished. His maturity is unlike that of a player not yet 21—he never forces the issue, rarely takes ill-advised shots, and consistently makes the right decisions on the court.

At times, you might even wish Kon would be a bit more selfish for a possession or two. Today, even after hitting eight threes, he kept setting up his teammates, passing up the chance to set a new career-high for threes in a game. This unassuming white player has become the greatest rookie shooter in history.

From today onward, every three-pointer he makes will set a new historical record.