The Charlotte Hornets could not have asked for a better start to their season or from their two rookies, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Kon Knueppel. Both made their NBA debuts in front of a sellout crowd of 19,516 at Spectrum Center and immediately showed why the franchise believes they are part of its future.

Knueppel and Kalkbrenner combined for 21 points and 16 rebounds in Charlotte’s 136–117 win over the Brooklyn Nets, marking the first time in team history two rookies started on opening night. Kalkbrenner became just the second Hornets rookie ever to record a double-double in his debut, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Knueppel added 11 points, five rebounds, and poise beyond his years.

“It’s awesome,” Kalkbrenner said. “We’re just going to make the most of the opportunity we

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