76ers sleeper prospect received major stock boost after latest announcement

Every incoming NBA rookie has weaknesses, and while some are more glaring than others, most are fixable with proper development. Kon Knueppel's biggest drawback was limited athleticism, but after measuring in at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, perhaps that weakness was overblown. With the Philadelphia 76ers exploring their draft options, this development should be well on their radar.

Knueppel turned heads after the NBA Draft Combine

While Knueppel was present at the draft combine in May, he was unable to participate in athleticism testing drills nor shooting drills due to an ankle injury he sustained in April. He was able to undergo measurement tests, which showed that he is 6’ 5” without shoes. It wasn’t until the past week that Knueppel seemingly took part in these drills, as his results were recently posted on the NBA’s website. 

Many were bracing for him to record underwhelming marks in the athleticism tests, but he surprisingly held up well, especially when compared to the likes of V.J. Edgecombe and Ace Bailey. Courtesy of Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports, Knueppel recorded 11.92 seconds in lane agility time, compared to Edgecombe (11.27) and Bailey (10.97). Knueppel also posted 2.92 seconds in the shuttle run, which rivals Edgecombe’s 2.93 seconds and Bailey’s 2.78 seconds.

In terms of verticality, Knueppel notched 31.5 inches for his standing vertical leap, which was better than Edgecombe’s (30) and Bailey’s (27.5). For his maximum vertical leap, Knueppel jumped 36.5 inches while Bailey soared just 34.5 inches,  and Edgecombe posted 38.5 inches. With questions of his athleticism limited his ceiling, Knueppel handed in shockingly solid results that may entice the 76ers to move him up on their big board if he isn’t already.

The 76ers should be interested

While the results are encouraging to the Knueppel faithful, it’s essential to not get too caught up in the numbers. The eye test is equally as important and Knueppel leaves a bit to be desired in terms of lateral quickness, strength, and burst, and how that will translate to the NBA. Still, he’s far from just a three-point specialist. 

While Knueppel is a lethal spot-up shooter, he showcased ability as a secondary ball-handler in the pick-and-roll, especially with Khaman Maluach. He can play within the flow of an offense due to his high IQ and ability to move off the ball whether it’s using flare screens to shoot or flow into screen actions. His capability to make the extra pass, execute timely reads to the roll-man, get downhill off screens, and counter defenses with short pull-ups should entice every team within the draft lottery range. 

The 76ers are reportedly interested in four players with the third overall pick and if Knueppel isn’t one of them, the idea of them trading down to select him is intriguing. With teams such as the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans likely seeking to trade up, perhaps there could be something there. Whether Philadelphia should keep its pick is up for debate, but it should at least continue to seek out any and every opportunity ahead of June 25th as it has been.