The NBA teams at the lower end of the totem pole this season are happy to be there because, in Cooper Flagg, it is widely believed that a generational prospect is up for grabs in the draft.
Cooper Flagg has set the pulses racing with his all-around play this season, being the No. 1 option for the Blue Devils on a team full of talent.
So much media coverage has been devoted to him that his teammate is flying under the radar, who, according to draft expert Jonathan Givony, will be an “absolute star” in the NBA.
An early comparison to Klay Thompson as his ceiling certainly isn’t a bad starting point!
Jonathan Givony on Duke star like Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson might be heading towards an NBA career that probably won’t get the ending it deserves, but his peak was as breathtaking as any player ever.
At his peak, he was a two-way menace, a supercharged, overqualified “three-and-D” player who formed the most exciting duo in NBA history with Steph Curry.
If that’s where Givony is putting the ceiling of Duke Blue Devils forward Kon Knueppel, then it’s time to get serious and divide the media coverage between him and Flagg.
Speaking on ESPN’s Hoop Collective, draft expert Givony raved about Knueppel’s credentials, quashing any concerns about him in the NBA circles.
He said: “It’s a little bit divisive among NBA people because he doesn’t have very long arms. He’s going to be an absolute star in the NBA, wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes an All-Star.
“He’s a great shooter but he’s way more than that. He was basically playing PG for Duke at some points. Great passer, an outstanding feel for the game.
He’s physical and competitive. I have zero concerns on defense, he’s always in the right spots. I think Kon Knueppels is going to be a big-time NBA player, like a Klay Thompson.”
Kon Knueppel is the ideal NBA player
Knueppel has gone under the radar this season and most mock drafts project him getting drafted in the lottery but on the fringes of top-10 selections.
He would be a steal for any team if he drops to that point because what he’s best at is the things that take the longest to teach.
His basketball IQ is off the charts and his ability to make the right decision for the team makes him stand out, an impact which might not always show on the stat sheet.
Still, he’s averaging 14.4 points, four rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while playing almost 30 minutes per game on a stacked Duke team.
Flagg might even be a generational talent but in terms of being a ready-made contributor and a plug-and-play player instantly in an NBA team, Knueppel is not far behind.