Hornets Rookie Kon Knueppel Suffers Right Ankle Injury

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel exited Friday night's game against Orlando with a right ankle injury after landing on an opponent's foot and did not return for the second half. While the extent of his absence is unknown, coach Charles Lee confirmed postgame that X-rays were clean. Knueppel, the No. 4 pick, has been a standout, averaging 19.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, shooting 42.8% from three, and is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. He had 16 points in the first quarter before the injury.