The Hive Five | Vol. 3
Here are five things that have caught my attention following a 11-22 start
This is the third volume of The Hive Five, which will be released monthly. In this recurring feature, I will look back at the previous month and the trends I’ve noticed on the court. Think Zach Lowe’s 10 Things, but Hornets-centric.
In the comments, please leave your feedback on this series and whether you would like it to continue. It’s time-consuming, and I want to make sure it’s insightful and a worthwhile read. A share on social media would be greatly appreciated, too!
Previous: Vol. 1 | Vol. 2 [UNLOCKED]
1. Knueppel: Pull-Up Twos
Just over a week ago, Kon Knueppel became the fastest player to convert 100 career three-pointers.1 There are plenty of superlatives that you can attach to rookie Knueppel, but it’s not all about the three-pointer. We are going to spend some time spotlighting his game inside the arc.
Whether it’s opponents running him off the line, Knueppel being used on either side of the pick-and-roll, or coming off a handoff, he’s going to find opportunities inside the paint.
Kon is making the most of these chances, and you will see several themes with his pull-up two-point attempts. While he will never beat you solely on speed, he knows how to attack the top foot and can sense when his defender has over-committed. Once he gets the advantage, he keeps it (or extends it) by using his shoulders to create space.
But the biggest thing that helps him is his ability to stop on a dime and rise. He has such good balance and consistency in his energy transfer from dribble to his gather to his shot. It’s very repeatable, and you can tell he’s practiced these types of shots.
In December, K2 attempted 18 pull-up two-pointers, making 12 of them. While just a month of games, that number would put him in the 90+ percentile for that shot type.2
Despite Cooper Flagg’s recent hot play, Knueppel continues to keep his name within the Rookie of the Year conversation because of his well-rounded game.
2. Diabaté: More than a Glass Cleaner
Ryan Kalkbrenner has missed five consecutive games, allowing Moussa Diabaté to get the starting nod in four of those contests. Despite his lack of size at the center position, his strengths have been highlighted with more court time. Most have been accustomed to his energetic play and force on the offensive glass. While that’s still prevalent, you are starting to see he’s got more skill in his game.
