Duke's rising star, Kon Knueppel, has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, and it looks like he's set to attract the attention of several lottery teams!

The talented freshman wrapped up his collegiate season with impressive averages of 14.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.2 three-pointers per game. Scouts are buzzing about Knueppel, considering him one of the safest bets in this year’s draft thanks to his size, shooting prowess, and basketball intelligence.

As we speculate on his professional future, various comparisons can be drawn that highlight both his potential upside and possible pitfalls. The trajectory of Knueppel’s career will largely depend on how well his skills transition to the next level and whether his athletic limitations come into play.

Knueppel's standout ability lies in his shooting, but he truly shined during his time at Duke when utilized in ball-screen scenarios. Although he isn't known for advanced one-on-one scoring, he excelled as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, drawing parallels to the Memphis Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane.

Similar to Bane, Knueppel has the capability to deliver consistent shotmaking and provide a diverse offensive skill set with his driving and passing abilities.

Both players face challenges due to a lack of explosive athleticism, yet they've found success by using their body control to navigate around defenders and capitalize on offensive opportunities.

In a worst-case scenario, Knueppel could find himself limited to a catch-and-shoot role, reminiscent of Corey Kispert. If his ability to create off the ball-screens and playmaking doesn't translate well, he might become more of a specialist shooter, much like Kispert, who has struggled to find his rhythm under pressure.

Although Kispert is a solid player, he has faced difficulties in spot-up situations, posting a low shooting percentage when forced to dribble. Similarly, Knueppel could struggle to get past defenders, which may restrict his effectiveness and reduce him to a complementary role, focusing on floor spacing and quick transitions.

On a brighter note, Cameron Johnson has excelled, averaging career highs of 18.8 points and 3.4 assists this past season. Like Johnson, Knueppel possesses the shooting skills and footwork necessary to thrive in various offensive situations, likely ranking high in spot-up and transition plays.

However, Johnson’s game has benefited from an average of over two ball screens per game, a luxury Knueppel could also exploit given his strong driving ability and court vision.

In reality, Knueppel may not emerge as a primary scoring option, given his current skill set. Nevertheless, he has the potential to be a valuable third or fourth option, combining shooting versatility with an improved understanding of ball-screen play.