However, Knueppel's preparation for the NBA Draft has been complicated by an ankle injury that prevented him from participating in drills at the NBA Draft Combine.

Even with the injury setback, Knueppel's draft stock remains strong, and he will have opportunities to demonstrate his skills in upcoming workouts.

His agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed that Knueppel is recovering from the injury and is expected to be ready for the Pro Day event on May 16, 2025.

NBA analyst Zach Buckley noted that Knueppel's size, shooting ability, and advanced basketball IQ could give him an edge over other rookies.

Kon Knueppel, a standout freshman from Duke University, has declared for the NBA Draft following an impressive season where he averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

He played a crucial role in Duke's successful campaign, contributing to a 35-4 record and leading the team to an ACC Tournament title.

This Pro Day will be critical for Knueppel to showcase his recovery and reaffirm his potential as a lottery pick.

Analysts are still optimistic, with Bleacher Report predicting that Knueppel will be selected by the Houston Rockets with the 10th overall pick.

During the ACC Tournament, Knueppel emerged as Duke's primary option, especially when teammate Cooper Flagg was sidelined due to injury.

The absence of combine testing may shift perceptions, as teams that value shooting skills might overlook his physical limitations.

Despite being projected as a lottery pick, concerns about his below-average wingspan and average standing reach could impact his draft stock.

Known for his shooting skills and ability to drive to the basket, Knueppel's versatility on offense is appealing, although his limited wingspan may pose defensive challenges in the NBA.