Charlotte’s rookie Kon Knueppel was the breakout star of Summer League, leading the Hornets to the Las Vegas title with a strong double-double performance in the championship—16 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists—cementing his MVP case despite early ankle issues  His standout game helped offset criticism from analysts who called his sluggish debut and turnovers signs he’d struggled; Knueppel answered decisively when it mattered most si.com. Beyond the court, his emotional courtside exchange with former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg added a human touch to his rising star narrative