Knueppel's Leadership Push for Hornets

It's April 20th. Charlotte Hornet's news. Today starts now. AI-powered and game-ready. I'm

Cory with the story. The Charlotte Hornets wrapped up their 2025-2026 season with a play-in

loss to the Orlando Magic, but rookie-wing Khan. Two Epples stood out as a major highlight.

Head coach Charles Lee is already eyeing the off-season, pushing to New Epple to step up his

leadership game heading into year two. In exit interviews, Lee made it clear that being more vocal

is the key area for growth. New Epple echoed that, saying as a rookie he was just trying to find

his footing, but his coach texted him after every time he spoke up, urging him to keep using his voice.

Fans and analysts see huge potential here, with New Epple as the third overall pick in the 2025

NBA draft and a top contender for rookie. Of the year, he's right there with his former

Duke teammate Cooper Flag from the Dallas Mavericks. On the court, New Epple showed up big,

playing in 81 of the Hornets 82 games, with 80 starts at over 31 minutes each. He averaged 18.5 points,

5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, shooting 47.5% from the dressing. Field, 42.5 from 3, and 86.3 from

the line. With the awards still pending and the Hornets plotting their next moves,

New Epple locking in on leadership could turn the surprise season into. Something special,

long-term.