Rising Star Knueppel Secures MVP Honors and Leads Hornets to Summer League Glory

In a gripping final match of the NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025, the Charlotte Hornets triumphed over the Sacramento Kings with a score of 83-78.

Nineteen-year-old Kon Knueppel, who contributed 21 points in the championship bout held in Las Vegas, earned the title of Most Valuable Player. The young talent, formerly from Duke, was chosen as the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft presented by State Farm.

Reflecting on the team’s success, Knueppel remarked, “We worked cohesively in every game, and it paid off well for us. I believe many of the guys will make the final roster. Competing to win is essential, and establishing winning habits, even during the Summer League, is incredibly advantageous.”

The concluding day of the Summer League also included consolation matches at the Thomas & Mack Center, where the Memphis Grizzlies secured a 105-82 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Boston Celtics overwhelmed the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 101-80.

For the Kings, French player Maxime Raynaud played just under 21 minutes in the final, contributing nine points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.

Isaiah Wong, a former Zalgiris standout, was a key player for the Celtics, leading the team with 18 points. The squad, managed by Matt Reynolds, also featured Spaniard Hugo Gonzalez, Brit Amari Williams, and Ukrainian Max Shulga, who scored eight, six, and three points respectively.

The Grizzlies’ European influence extended to recent draft picks, including Croatian Ante Brzovic, who recorded two points in seven minutes of play.

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