​NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images) GettyKon Knueppel’s long-awaited return to the Charlotte Hornets ended almost as soon as it began Wednesday night.The second-year sharpshooter was ruled out for the remainder of Charlotte’s game against the Brooklyn Nets after experiencing soreness in his left leg during the first quarter at Barclays Center.“INJURY UPDATE: @hornets forward Kon Knueppel left the 1Q of tonight’s game in BKN with soreness in his left leg and will not return to the game,” the Hornets announced on X.The setback came in Knueppel’s first appearance of the 2026-27 season after he missed Charlotte’s opening eight games with a left hamstring strain.While the soreness involves the same leg, the Hornets have not confirmed whether Wednesday’s injury is related to his previous hamstring problem.Kon Knueppel’s Hornets Return Cut Short by InjuryKnueppel checked out with 6:09 remaining in the opening quarter after dribbling the ball off his ankle, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.He appeared to be limping as he left the court.Hunter Bailey also reported that Knueppel came up gimpy following a turnover before heading to the locker room in visible discomfort.Video circulating on social media showed the 21-year-old bent over near Charlotte’s bench while a member of the team’s staff attended to him.
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He subsequently walked toward the locker room.The incident came just hours after Charlotte officially cleared Knueppel to make his season debut.The Hornets initially listed him as probable before upgrading him to available Wednesday afternoon.Knueppel had missed the entire preseason and the first eight regular-season games while recovering from a left hamstring strain sustained during offseason workouts.Charlotte carefully managed his rehabilitation, including a recent assignment to its G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.However, his return lasted only a few minutes before another physical setback forced him out.Hornets Lose Key Offensive Weapon in Kon KnueppelKnueppel’s return was expected to provide a significant boost to a Charlotte offense struggling to generate consistent scoring.The Hornets entered Wednesday averaging an NBA-worst 97.4 points while shooting just 29.6% from beyond the arc.They also had lost four consecutive games following a 3-1 start.Knueppel emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest young shooters during his rookie season after Charlotte selected him fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.The former Duke standout averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists across 81 app