{
  "id": 10229288,
  "title": "Hornets Get Concerning Update on Kon Knueppel Ahead of Preseason",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/hornets-get-concerning-update-on-kon-knueppel-ahead-of-preseason",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-27T14:32:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/hornets-get-concerning-update-on-kon-knueppel-ahead-of-preseason-12493886"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Charlotte Hornets fans are anticipating a fresh start as the new season approaches. With LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges no longer on the team, a new roster is forming, and Kon Knueppel was poised to lead the charge during the preseason. However, recent reports have put a damper on those expectations. NBA insider Marc Stein revealed on X that both Knueppel and forward Grant Williams are sidelined for the preseason due to hamstring injuries sustained during offseason activities. Both players will undergo evaluations at the beginning of the regular season, which begins on October 21st against the Nets. Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick in last year's draft, had already established himself as one of the league's top rookies before suffering an ankle injury late in the season. Williams, too, has faced his own set of challenges, having torn his ACL in 2024 and grappling with knee issues. The absence of these two key players could prove to be a significant setback for a team still searching for its identity as they rebuild for the upcoming season.",
  "summary": "Hornets suffer injury setbacks as Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams are ruled out for preseason action.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams sidelined with hamstring injuries",
    "Injuries sustained during offseason activities",
    "Regular season starts October 21st against the Nets"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}