Former NBA All-Star Picks Knueppel Over Flagg for Rookie of the Year

Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg have had standout rookie seasons, but one former champion believes Knueppel deserves the award.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 1:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2025-26 NBA season has seen two standout rookie players in Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets and Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks. While Flagg has been the favorite for Rookie of the Year, former NBA All-Star and champion Jeff Teague believes Knueppel's performance, especially given the Hornets' playoff push, gives him the edge over Flagg.

Why it matters

The Rookie of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in the NBA, and the debate between Knueppel and Flagg highlights the high level of talent among this year's rookie class. Teague's perspective as a former player adds credibility to his assessment, and the contrasting styles and team situations of the two players make for an intriguing comparison.

The details

Knueppel has emerged as one of the league's top three-point shooters as a rookie, while Flagg has showcased his well-rounded game with elite defense and impressive offensive production. Teague believes Knueppel's performance is more impressive given the Hornets' playoff push, as opposed to the Mavericks who are out of the postseason race. Ultimately, the award will come down to voter preferences, but Teague has made a compelling case for Knueppel.

  • The 2025-26 NBA season is currently underway.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie player for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as one of the league's top three-point shooters this season.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie player for the Dallas Mavericks who has been the favorite for Rookie of the Year due to his well-rounded game and elite defensive play.

Jeff Teague

A former NBA All-Star and champion who is now a commentator and has picked Kon Knueppel over Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think Cooper Flagg's having a good rookie year, a phenomenal rookie year actually, but it comes with a lot of opportunity. The reason I think Kon Knueppel's year is better is because he's with some gunners, and he's not supposed to be doing what he's doing.”

— Jeff Teague, Former NBA All-Star and Champion

What’s next

The Rookie of the Year award will be announced at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season, with Knueppel and Flagg as the top contenders.

The takeaway

The debate between Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year highlights the high level of talent in this year's NBA rookie class. While Flagg may be the favorite, Teague's perspective as a former player gives credence to his argument that Knueppel's performance, especially in the context of the Hornets' playoff push, makes him the more deserving candidate.