The Utah Jazz picked Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but Kon Knueppel went only one pick earlier. He already looks like a superstar in the making on the Charlotte Hornets, and the Jazz’s 2025 NBA Draft could forever be known as the one that got away, because he could have taken Utah to another level.
Obviously, Bailey is a good player. He has the potential to be a star in the NBA, too. But Knueppel is blossoming immediately. He already looks like the type of guy who can change a franchise. And the Jazz missed out on him by a single pick.
But instead, he’s in Charlotte.
Kon Knueppel would have been a perfect fit with this Jazz group
Cooper Flagg is the Rookie of the Year, but the fact that Knueppel is even in the conversation for the award is a testament to how impressive he’s been during his rookie campaign
Knueppel just broke the rookie record for three-pointers in a single season, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. He’s an absolutely incredible three-point shooter.
The rookie has started in 58 of his 59 appearances this season, playing a team-high 31.9 minutes per game (tied with Miles Bridges). It’s the third-most minutes per game of any rookie.
He’s averaging 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field and 44.2% from deep range on 8.0 three-point attempts per contest.
That level of production would be absolutely perfect in Utah, especially with the rest of the pieces they already have in place. Knueppel would have been an ideal fit on the Jazz.
Keyonte George is having a breakout season at the point guard spot, Lauri Markkanen is an elite scorer at the four, and they traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline.
If they had Knueppel’s shooting, secondary playmaking, and defense alongside that core, they could have been a legitimate Play-In contender this season.
Or, if they still decided to tank, they could be on track to be one of the breakout teams of the 2026-27 season, with Knueppel leading the way.
Again, Bailey has a chance to be a star. He could be the guy to lead the Jazz into the future. He has plenty of potential.
But based on the early returns, Knueppel looks like he would have been the better fit with the current Jazz roster. And the 2025 NBA Draft may be the one that got away.