Charlotte Hornets players Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams sidelined by injuries

The Charlotte Hornets will be without Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams for the upcoming preseason due to hamstring injuries.

Knueppel, the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, sustained a left hamstring injury during offseason work. The 21-year-old, who previously played for Duke, is considered a central piece of the franchise’s rebuilding project. His absence is expected to delay his adaptation to the NBA's physical pace just before the regular season begins.

Grant Williams also sustained a right hamstring injury under similar circumstances. Williams, who recently returned from a major knee injury last January, is a regular reserve for the team. Both players will be reevaluated during the first week of the regular season, leaving their availability for the October 21 season opener in doubt. The team may redistribute minutes to players such as Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Sion James, Tidjane Salaun, or Liam McNeeley during their recovery.