TITLE: Knueppel Targets Defensive Growth as Hornets Manage Minutes, Injuries
SLUG: knueppel-defensive-focus-hornets-minute-management-injury-updates
CONTENT:
Charlotte rookie wing Kon Knueppel is pleased with his early NBA production but says he remains focused on becoming more disruptive on defense.
“I think an area to grow is definitely being more disruptive defensively,” the 20-year-old told The Charlotte Observer. “I tend to be where I’m supposed to be, tend to keep my guy in front of me. But can I maybe get a few more deflections? That comes with a little bit more anticipation, being more aware of what play is going to happen before it happens.”
The No. 4 pick in last year’s draft logged 1,189 minutes across 39 games at Duke. He sits at 1,186 minutes through 36 NBA contests and reports that his body is holding up despite “nicks and bruises” and an early-season chipped pinky.
Late-Game Decision on Ball
Charlotte squandered a 13-point lead Wednesday in a one-point loss to Toronto after an Immanuel Quickley game-winning three. LaMelo Ball played only five fourth-quarter minutes. Head coach Charles Lee said a back-to-back set and the strong play of Collin Sexton and Sion James influenced the call.
“I liked how that group was playing,” Lee said. “I was mindful of where we are in a back-to-back and our allocation of minutes to keep us healthy.”
Injury Roundup
Lee provided several updates after the game:
- Brandon Miller (left knee contusion) sat out Wednesday for precautionary reasons but is listed as probable for Thursday at Indiana.
- Ryan Kalkbrenner (left elbow sprain) will miss his ninth straight game against the Pacers. “Ryan is going to be OK,” Lee said. “He’s trending in a good direction.”
- Grant Williams, more than 13 months removed from a torn right ACL, has returned to five-on-five work and is in the final stages of rehabilitation. The team will reintegrate him when medical staff clears him for game action.
The Hornets continue their road trip Thursday night in Indianapolis.
Source: Hoops Rumors
