NBA Notes: Hornets, Kon Knueppel, Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Clippers

Hornets

Hornets wing Kon Knueppel has been one of the league’s more productive rookies this season. He’s not satisfied.

The 20-year-old told Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer that he’s focused on raising his impact, particularly on the defensive end.

“I think an area to grow is definitely being more disruptive defensively,” Knueppel said. “I tend to be where I’m supposed to be, keep my guy in front of me. But can I get a few more deflections? That comes with anticipation and understanding what’s going to happen before it happens.”

Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in last year’s draft, logged 1,189 minutes in 39 games during his lone season at Duke. He’s already nearly matched that workload as a pro, playing 1,186 minutes through 36 NBA games.

So far, he says his body has held up.

“I feel good,” Knueppel said. “There’s nicks and bruises, but nothing major. The training staff has been great, and I’ve been proactive with recovery.”

Grizzlies

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will miss his fourth straight game Friday against Oklahoma City due to a right calf contusion, the team announced.

Morant had been listed as questionable in each of the previous three games before being downgraded to out, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Rookie wing Cedric Coward, who sprained his right ankle Sunday against the Lakers, is questionable after missing the past two-and-a-half games. Guard Vince Williams Jr. is also questionable as he continues to manage patellar tendinitis in his left knee. Williams has missed nine of Memphis’ past 10 games.

Clippers

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard suffered a right ankle sprain in the third quarter of Wednesday’s loss at New York and is listed as questionable for Friday’s game in Brooklyn, per Law Murray of The Athletic.

Leonard previously missed 10 straight games in November due to right foot and ankle issues. He has appeared in 26 games so far this season, with the Clippers continuing to manage his availability carefully.