NBA Honors Rookies Harper and Knueppel for February

Charlotte's Kon Knueppel wins Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month, while San Antonio's Dylan Harper takes Western Conference honors.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:21pm

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The NBA announced its Rookies of the Month for February, with Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel earning the award in the Eastern Conference and San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper taking the Western Conference honor. Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in last year's draft, averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and shot 48.5% from three-point range in February. Harper, the second overall selection, came off the bench to average 12.5 points and 4.9 assists on 55% shooting.

Why it matters

The Rookie of the Month awards highlight the top first-year players in the NBA, showcasing the league's up-and-coming talent. Knueppel and Harper have both made immediate impacts for their teams as high draft picks, and their continued development will be crucial to the future success of the Hornets and Spurs.

The details

Knueppel, the Hornets' rookie forward, has now won Rookie of the Month four times in a row, from November through February. On the season, he is averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 44% from three-point range. Harper, the Spurs' rookie guard, has thrived in a sixth-man role, becoming a key part of San Antonio's deep rotation. He is averaging 11 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.

  • The NBA announced the Rookie of the Month awards on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Knueppel has now won the award four months in a row, from November 2025 through February 2026.
  • Harper's award comes after Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg had won the previous three Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie forward for the Charlotte Hornets, selected fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Dylan Harper

A rookie guard for the San Antonio Spurs, selected second overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

VJ Edgecombe

A rookie forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, selected one spot ahead of Knueppel in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks, who had won the previous three Western Conference Rookie of the Month awards before being sidelined by injury.

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What’s next

Both Knueppel and Harper will be in action on Tuesday night, as the Hornets host the Mavericks and the Spurs travel to face the 76ers.

The takeaway

The Rookie of the Month awards showcase the impressive talent and potential of the NBA's newest stars, with Knueppel and Harper emerging as two of the league's most promising young players.