Mavs’ Cooper Flagg reacts to competition with Kon Knuepel for Rookie of the Year

DALLAS— Cooper Flagg and Knuppel could were roommates at Duke a year ago. Now, they are favorites for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Flagg’s Dallas Mavericks and Knupelov Charlotte Hornets they met on Thursday night in Dallas. While the Hornets earned a competitive 123-121 victory, Flagg set a new career record with 49 points scored in the game.

Knuppel also played wellhowever. He finished the game with 34 points. After the competition, Flagg shared his thoughts about competing against his former Duke basketball teammate for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Cooper Flagg on the Rookie of the Year race against Kon Knuepel and whether or not there was any goofiness between the two pic.twitter.com/Knkvt6aURg

— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) January 30, 2026

“It’s amazing,” Flagg told reporters. “I wouldn’t want to be in any other position. … We’re both going to look back on this night, this year in general, for the rest of our lives. We’re going to talk about it and stuff like that. It’s so special to have this opportunity in general. You know, I have three former teammates that play for the Hornets, so just to have things like that, it’s special to me.”

So, was there any light-hearted trash talk between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knuepel?

“We didn’t text each other before the game, but of course we talked a little bit there,” Flagg said. “Chirp back and forth… I’m just having fun, you know?”

Cooper Flagg gives Kon Knuepel his flowers

While Flagg admitted there was some light-hearted trash talk, he remains a fan of his friend’s game. Flagg presented Knuepel with flowers while speaking with reporters Thursday night.

Cooper Flagg on Kon Knuepel: “I think it’s pretty common knowledge that he was my roommate last year. … That’s my brother for life. I’ve gotten high praise for him and what he can do.” pic.twitter.com/OVE76lNcmJ

— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) January 30, 2026

“I think it’s pretty common knowledge that it was my roommate last year,” Flagg said. “Just to have a night like this with him, I know how special he is and how hard he works. It’s just funny, you know, I think after 10-plus years, I think we’re both going to look at this as a pretty special thing. I know we’re both going to be in this league for a long time, so it’s pretty special.

“That’s my brother for life. I’ve gotten high praise for him and what he can do.”

The Mavericks selected Flegg first in the 2025 NBA Draft. Knuepel was selected just a few picks later at No. 4 overall by the Hornets.

Many expected Flagg to be the frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year conversation. Although it did come true, not many expected Knuppel to be his primary competition for the award. However, that is the case at the moment.

After his 49-point masterclass Thursday night, Flagg is now averaging 19.5 points on 48.2% shooting from the field. He also averages 6.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals per outing. As for Knuepel, he’s averaging 18.9 points on 48.6 percent shooting from the field and 42.9 percent from three with 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

The NBA Rookie of the Year race is far from decided. It is currently available.

Former Duke roommates and now good friends, they clearly respect each other, but they are both fiercely competitive. Cooper Flagg and Kon Knuepel are primarily focused on wins and losses, but both would probably like to win the Rookie of the Year title as well.