Hornets' Knueppel Wishes Injured Rival Flagg a Speedy Recovery

Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg are battling for NBA Rookie of the Year honors, but Knueppel says he hopes Flagg returns soon.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:34pm

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Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel expressed well wishes for his former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg, who is currently sidelined with a left midfoot sprain for the Dallas Mavericks. Knueppel and Flagg have been competing for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, but Knueppel said he hopes Flagg can return to the court soon, even if they engage in "a little crap talk" as rivals.

Why it matters

The Rookie of the Year race between Knueppel and Flagg has been one of the most compelling storylines of the NBA season. Their friendly rivalry has captivated fans, and Knueppel's comments show the mutual respect between the two young stars despite their competitive drive to win the award.

The details

Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, has missed the Mavericks' last eight games due to the midfoot sprain. Earlier this season, he also missed time due to ankle and back issues. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said Flagg is "ramping up" and could return during the team's current six-game road trip. Meanwhile, Knueppel has emerged as one of the league's elite three-point shooters, leading the NBA in total threes made this season.

  • In mid-February, Cooper Flagg sustained a left midfoot sprain.
  • Flagg has missed the Mavericks' last eight games due to the injury.
  • Kon Knueppel and the Hornets faced the Mavericks without Flagg on March 4, 2026.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie small forward for the Charlotte Hornets who is competing with Cooper Flagg for NBA Rookie of the Year honors.

Cooper Flagg

The 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick of the Dallas Mavericks, who is currently sidelined with a left midfoot sprain.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, who provided an update on Cooper Flagg's injury status and potential return.

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What they’re saying

“I love him. I hope he gets back soon. I want to see him out there, but definitely maybe a little crap talk.”

— Kon Knueppel

“He's ramping up. Everything is going well. Today was to kind of get back in his routine, and hopefully, as we go on this road trip, he can get in and play a game or two.”

— Jason Kidd, Mavericks Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The friendly rivalry between Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg has captivated NBA fans, and Knueppel's well wishes for his injured counterpart show the mutual respect between the two young stars as they compete for the Rookie of the Year award.