'Blasphemy': NBA Insider Stuns Fans by Crowning a Rookie With Bold Steph Curry Comparison
When it comes to current NBA superstars, there's a short list of names that you'd be hard-pressed to find a realistic and fair player comparison that truly stacks up. Along with the likes of Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, there are also future Hall of Famers such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and, of course, Steph Curry. Several other budding stars and exceptionally unique talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama are a few others where player comps are nearly impossible. However, during a recent segment, ESPN's NBA insider Brian Windhorst lobbed out a Steph Curry comparison that caught fans offguard when discussing Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel.
The 'Steph Curry' Traits: Windhorst's Argument for the Knueppel Comparison
During a recent segment on ESPN's NBA Countdown, Windhorst revealed that when Knueppel entered the league, a few people compared him to former Warrior and current Dallas Maverick, Klay Thompson. However, Windhorst is apparently a big fan of the Hornets' No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, as he took things one step further, stating that "they might have the wrong Splash Brother."
"When Kon Knueppel came into the league, I had some people I really trust compare him to Klay Thompson… I've been watching him recently—they might have the wrong Splash Brother," Windhorst said.
Kon Knueppel's College Stats in One Season With the Duke Blue Devils:
- 39 games played (39 starts)
- 14.4 points per game
- 4.0 rebounds
- 2.7 assists
- 47.9 FG%
- 40.6 3PT%
"I know it sounds crazy, but when you watch how this guy is taking the league by storm..." Windhorst continued. "The 3-pointers per game, it's a different era, look at the percentage, look at the age. You know what, coach? He's like Steph in that you can't catch him. One of the great things he does is move without the ball, pass and relocate, set a ton of screens. If you don't know about Kon Knueppel, if you didn't watch him at Duke, watch the way he impacts a game."
Brian Windhorst believes Kon Knueppel is closer to Steph Curry than he is Klay Thompson when discussing his comparison ???? pic.twitter.com/UuXEozsnZ5
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) January 21, 2026
Windhorst's first comment immediately drew a "oh, no, he didn't" from fellow ESPN host Stephen A. Smith. Not surprisingly, Smith's reaction was similar to what many fans thought about the comments after they began making the rounds on social media.
'Disrespectful on the Highest Level': Fans React to Bold Kon Knueppel-Steph Curry Comp
Although Windhorst made some decent points in terms of how Knueppel plays, it's hard to argue that there's any way that the comparison to Curry is realistic. Comparing rookie seasons makes it less outlandish, but Curry is not only arguably the greatest shooter in basketball history, but he's also one of the best NBA players ever. Even if Knueppel proves to be an exceptional talent and incredible player, Curry is clearly cemented among the league's best players.
As one fan put it, it's a bit disrespectful to compare any rookie to a player of Curry's caliber.
"Saying that is disrespectful on the highest level possible," one reply read.
Other fans chimed in, with one simply calling it "blasphemy," and many others responding with a few words that can't be written without being heavily censored. Windhorst was also called out for "just saying anything" in several of the reactions, along with what one person labeled "another in a long line of ignorant takes."
For good measure, several fans agreed with the initial comparison of Knueppel to Klay Thompson, calling the Hornets rookie a "prime baby Klay minus the elite defense."
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