Every rookie gets that one moment when the reality of the NBA hits them like a freight train—and for Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, that train was wearing a Philadelphia 76ers jersey.

In just the second game of his professional career, Knueppel had his official "Welcome to the League" moment, and he didn't hesitate to name the culprit: veteran big man Andre Drummond.

Sitting down with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., Knueppel recalled the jarring encounter. "Andre Drummond, the big from the Sixers. He hit me with a nice screen in the 2nd game of the season. That's a tough one—he's a big dude."

It's the kind of play that separates college from the pros: a hard, legal screen set by a 280-pound veteran that reminds every rookie they're no longer facing teenagers.

Drummond, never one to miss a chance for some good-natured ribbing, fired back on Twitter: "😭😭😭sorry rook, at least you only have to see me 4 times out of 82 games! Plenty more waiting for you."

For the 2025-26 season, Drummond averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds off the bench for Philadelphia, providing the Sixers with a physical presence and veteran savvy. Now an unrestricted free agent this offseason, the 14-year UConn product's next chapter remains to be written—but one thing's for sure: he's still teaching rookies the hard way.