Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson encouraged Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel this week, sharing appreciation for the former Duke standout’s modeling of parts of his game after him.

“Thanks for the words of trying to model your game after me,” Thompson said in a recorded message. “It makes me feel kind of old, but also very appreciative of great young athletes like yourself who are coming to take over the league and carry on the torch of what we started.”

Thompson, a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, highlighted Knueppel’s freshman season at Duke, calling it an “incredible run” and comparing it to the famed “Fab Five” team of the early 1990s.

“What you and Cooper did last season and the rest of the guys — an incredible run, especially for a bunch of freshmen,” Thompson said. “That’s unheard of, really some Fab Five stuff.”

Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting over 40% from 3-point range for the Blue Devils. He was named ACC Tournament MVP and helped lead Duke to the conference title.

The Hornets selected Knueppel with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Known for his efficient shooting and off-ball movement, he has drawn comparisons to Thompson for his polished offensive game and high basketball IQ.

Thompson urged Knueppel to remain confident and to continue developing into a two-way player.

“Never lose that confidence that got you here, especially when shooting the basketball,” Thompson said. “I heard you aspire to be a two-way player, and that’s something I prided myself on for a long time. I can still guard now — don’t think my days of guarding are long gone. I can still get out there and switch on a point guard or a four-man if I have to.”

“Enjoy your rookie year as much as you can,” he added. “It will go by faster than you can blink an eye.”

Knueppel, a Milwaukee native, led Wisconsin Lutheran High School to a 30–0 season and a Division 2 state championship as a senior. He was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball and the 2023–24 Gatorade Player of the Year before committing to Duke as a five-star recruit.

He has publicly stated that Thompson’s game had a strong influence on his development, particularly in terms of shooting mechanics and playing without the ball.

“To hear that from someone I’ve studied and tried to emulate — it gives me a lot of confidence going into my rookie year,” Knueppel said during a recent interview.

The Hornets are expected to feature Knueppel prominently this season as they continue rebuilding around young talent.