Rookie Experience in Hometown
Rookie Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets recently had a memorable experience as he played in his hometown of Milwaukee for the first time in the NBA. To celebrate the occasion, the young player extended a unique invitation to his entire team, welcoming them to his family’s residence for a gathering prior to their game against the Bucks.
Team Gathering
Reflecting on the surreal nature of the situation, Knueppel shared,
“It was strange taking the team bus down my street and going home. Having a bunch of NBA players at my house was quite something, but my family loved it, especially my brothers.”
The gathering seemed to leave a lasting impression not only on Knueppel but also on his teammates.
Notably, veteran player Mason Plumlee, who has 13 years of NBA experience, admitted it was his first time visiting a teammate’s home. Knueppel highlighted this moment, saying,
“It was cool to hear him say that. It created a special atmosphere for about an hour and a half.”
Family’s Delight
Kon’s mother, Chari, was equally thrilled, praising the players for being wonderful guests.
“They were such great guys; they treated my younger sons so well. It was an unforgettable experience, a true core memory,”
she remarked.
On-Court Performance
On the court, the significance of the evening continued as Knueppel had an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 32 points. However, despite his efforts, the Hornets fell short in a thrilling contest against the Bucks, losing 147-134 in overtime during the NBA Cup game.
