NBA Legends Praise Hornets Rookie Kon Knueppel for Rookie of the Year Credentials

Wall, Nash, and Griffin believe Knueppel should be the clear-cut choice for NBA Rookie of the Year over Cooper Flagg.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:26pm

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NBA legends John Wall, Steve Nash, and Blake Griffin have all voiced their strong support for Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award over Cooper Flagg. The trio praised Knueppel's impact on winning, efficiency, consistency, and all-around game, saying he has been "spectacular from start to finish" and should be the "clear-cut" choice for the award.

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 has been a major storyline throughout the season. With endorsements from respected veterans like Wall, Nash, and Griffin, Knueppel's case for the award has gained significant momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

The details

Knueppel, the Hornets' first-round draft pick, has emerged as a key contributor for a Charlotte team that has turned its season around and become a playoff contender. While Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, has put up impressive scoring numbers, the panel highlighted Knueppel's efficiency, consistency, and well-rounded game as the reasons he should win Rookie of the Year.

  • The comments from Wall, Nash, and Griffin came before the Hornets' matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on March 14, 2026.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as a leading candidate for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Cooper Flagg

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, who plays for the Charlotte Hornets and has also been in the Rookie of the Year conversation.

John Wall

A former NBA All-Star and current NBA analyst who believes Knueppel should be the clear-cut Rookie of the Year.

Steve Nash

A former NBA MVP and current NBA analyst who praised Knueppel's efficiency, consistency, and all-around game.

Blake Griffin

A former NBA All-Star and current NBA analyst who believes Knueppel's impact on winning sets him apart for the Rookie of the Year award.

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What they’re saying

“He should be clear-cut Rookie of the Year.”

— John Wall

“The efficiency, consistency... it's outrageous.”

— Steve Nash

“Kon has been spectacular from start to finish.”

— Blake Griffin

What’s next

The Rookie of the Year award will be announced at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's impressive rookie campaign and endorsements from NBA legends have made him the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, highlighting his impact on the Hornets' turnaround season and his well-rounded, efficient play.