Kon Knueppel Challenges Cooper Flagg for NBA Rookie of the Year

The former Duke teammates are putting on a show in the race for the top rookie award.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is giving Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall draft pick, a run for his money in the NBA Rookie of the Year race. Knueppel is having a historic rookie season, ranking third in the league in 3-pointers made and on pace to break the rookie record. The two former Duke teammates went head-to-head on Thursday, with Knueppel scoring a career-high 34 points and Flagg setting an NBA record for points scored by a teen in an epic duel between the league's young stars.

Why it matters

The battle between Knueppel and Flagg for Rookie of the Year has become one of the most compelling storylines of the NBA season, as two highly touted prospects from the same college team compete for the prestigious award. Their on-court rivalry and friendship off the court has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.

The details

Knueppel, the 4th overall pick in the 2025 draft, is averaging 18.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 42.9% from 3-point range. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, is averaging 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game but is shooting just 29% from 3. In their head-to-head matchup, Knueppel scored a career-high 34 points and hit 8 3-pointers to lead the Hornets to a 123-121 win over Flagg's Mavericks.

  • On Thursday, January 30, 2026, Knueppel and Flagg went head-to-head in an epic duel.
  • Knueppel is on pace to make 269 3-pointers this season, which would obliterate the NBA rookie record of 206 set by Keegan Murray in 2022-23.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who is having a historic season and challenging Cooper Flagg for NBA Rookie of the Year.

Cooper Flagg

The No. 1 overall draft pick of the Dallas Mavericks, who entered the season as the overwhelming favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year.

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What they’re saying

“Ten years down the road we will be looking back on this as a pretty special thing.”

— Cooper Flagg

“He's been incredible. He's been really impressive and that's nothing new to me. I know what he is capable of. I knew what to expect and I'm really happy for him.”

— Cooper Flagg

“Really good size on the wing, big strong body, catch-and-shoot, but also incredible IQ, passing, making the right play over and over again. He's already a really, really (darn) good player. He's got a knack, he's got a feel for the game, you can tell. And the pump fake and the sidestep three to turn a decent three into a great three that's just feel. And the poise that he has on the floor is really impressive.”

— Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Head Coach

“He can obviously shoot the ball at a high level. You can't really leave him open at all as he has such a quick release and shoots with confidence. And his playmaking is very underrated. His game just suits the NBA style, whether it's fast-paced or a slowed-down possession game.”

— Stephen Curry

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 battle between Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg for NBA Rookie of the Year has become must-watch basketball, as two talented young players from the same college team push each other to new heights and captivate fans with their on-court rivalry and off-court friendship.