Knueppel’s Season Debut Ends After Six Minutes

Kon Knueppel’s return from a left hamstring strain lasted six minutes Wednesday night before the Charlotte Hornets ruled him out for the rest of his season debut against the Brooklyn Nets, citing left-leg soreness. Knueppel started after missing Charlotte’s first eight regular-season games with the injury. In the sixth minute, he limped to the bench holding his left hamstring as a trainer examined him. The Hornets said he would not return. The team’s stated reason was left-leg soreness; it did not announce a diagnosis of a renewed hamstring injury. The 21-year-old forward had three points, all on free throws, and committed two turnovers before leaving, according to the game account. He had sustained the hamstring strain during offseason workouts in September, which also kept him out of the preseason. Knueppel’s appearance was his first of the 2026-27 season. He was selected fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after a standout first season. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists across 81 games, while making 273 three-pointers. He became the first rookie to lead the NBA in made three-pointers, according to the...