The race for the NBA Rookie of the Year has narrowed down to two Duke alumni: Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. While Flagg was considered the favorite for much of the season, Knueppel has surged into the spotlight, especially with Flagg sidelined by a midfoot injury. Knueppel’s impressive sharpshooting has positioned him as a formidable challenger in the contest for top rookie honors.
Playing for the Charlotte Hornets, Knueppel has rapidly established himself as one of the league’s most accurate long-range shooters. On Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers, he shot 8-of-12 from beyond the arc and scored 28 points in a dominant team victory. His sixth three-pointer of the game was historic, marking his 207th for the season and breaking the previous rookie record held by Keegan Murray from the 2022-23 season.
New NBA Rookie Record for Most Three-Pointers Made
Knueppel’s record-setting streak continued for a second consecutive game. Earlier in the week during a lopsided win over the Chicago Bulls, he became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 200 made three-pointers in a rookie campaign. This rapid accumulation highlights his exceptional shooting ability.
If he maintains his current pace, Knueppel is on track to finish the season with approximately 286 three-pointers, a total that would rank among the top 15 for a single season in NBA history. His shooting percentage of 44% from long range suggests that surpassing previous marks is well within reach. Experts have begun considering whether he could challenge Stephen Curry’s all-time single-season record of 402 made threes in the near future.
Potential Impact on Rookie of the Year Race and Playoff Aspirations
With Cooper Flagg’s playing time uncertain due to injury, Knueppel’s momentum has propelled him to the top of the NBA’s Kia Rookie Ladder. The Hornets are also well-positioned for a playoff run, providing Knueppel with more opportunities to showcase his talent on larger stages. This combination of individual achievement and team success intensifies anticipation around his rookie campaign and its lasting impact on the league.
“KON KNUEPPEL.MOST THREES EVER BY A ROOKIE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1aPSC2c3SO” ?NBA Twitter
KON KNUEPPEL.
MOST THREES EVER BY A ROOKIE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1aPSC2c3SO
— NBA (@NBA) February 27, 2026
