Hornets' Kon Knueppel Reveals Basketball Isn't Main Focus in Talks with Cooper Flagg

The two rookie standouts have a friendship that extends beyond the court.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel revealed that he and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, his former Duke teammate, rarely discuss basketball when they catch up. Instead, their conversations focus more on personal matters like where they're living and how their families are doing. Knueppel said this type of friendship dynamic is "cool and lasting" as they've bonded beyond just their professional basketball careers.

Why it matters

Knueppel and Flagg have emerged as two of the top rookies in the NBA this season, vying for Rookie of the Year honors. However, their friendship shows that there is more to their relationship than just basketball, which could help them maintain a strong bond even as their careers progress.

The details

In an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Podcast, Knueppel shared insights into his friendship with Flagg, saying, "When we talk it's less about basketball and more about where you're living? How often is your family down there? How you doing? You know, that type of stuff. Which is cool and lasting." Knueppel currently looks to be the front-runner for Rookie of the Year, while Flagg has faced more challenges and injuries in his debut season with the Mavericks.

  • Knueppel and Flagg were teammates at Duke University before being drafted in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who is emerging as a top contender for the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who was Knueppel's teammate at Duke University.

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What they’re saying

“When we talk it's less about basketball and more about where you're living? How often is your family down there? How you doing? You know, that type of stuff. Which is cool and lasting.”

— Kon Knueppel, Hornets Guard (The Ryen Russillo Podcast)

The takeaway

Knueppel and Flagg's friendship shows that even as top NBA rookies, they have a bond that extends beyond just basketball. Their ability to connect on a personal level could help them maintain a strong relationship as their careers progress, regardless of who wins the Rookie of the Year award.