Cooper Flagg was able to make a play against Kon Knuepel in the middle of the ROI race
DALLAS— Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel go one on one in the NBA Rookie of the Year race this year. The two newcomers are currently the favourites. Former teammates at Duke, Flagg and Knueppel will also compete Thursday night in the Charlotte Hornets-Dallas Mavericks clash. Both players started the game strong, but it was Flagg which he set new career record for points scored in one half with 25.
Knuepel also scored 19 points in the first half. The former teammates have led their teams to the best overall stretch in basketball, as Charlotte leads Dallas 59-58 as of this writing.
Cooper Flag vs. Kon Knuepel in the NBA Rookie of the Year race
It was a great season for both Flagg and Knuepel. Flagg and Knueppel will lead their teams on the rise soon during NBA All-Star weekend as a result.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg entered Thursday averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game while also shooting 47.3 percent from the field. Knuppel, meanwhile, was selected No. 4 overall in 2025 by the Hornets. He was picked higher than many predicted, but the decision has worked out for Charlotte so far. Knuepel entered the game averaging 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per outing while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three.
So who will end up winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award? Both players have legitimate opportunities. Cooper Flagg’s hot first half against Knuepel and the Hornets certainly won’t hurt his case.
2026-01-30 02:53:00
