Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, once a frontrunner for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year title, is facing a challenging stretch due to a midfoot sprain sustained earlier this season. As Flagg remains sidelined, other rookies—especially Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel—are gaining momentum in the competition for top rookie honors.
Kon Knueppel’s rise is sharpening the Rookie of the Year race, with the Hornets guard capitalizing on Flagg’s absence to solidify his position as a leading contender in the Cooper Flagg rookie competition this season.
NBA Recognizes Kon Knueppel and Dylan Harper for Outstanding February
The NBA recently announced its Rookies of the Month for February, spotlighting Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs for the Western Conference and Kon Knueppel from the Charlotte Hornets for the Eastern Conference.
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Charlotte Hornets guard-forward Kon Knueppel have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in February.
– NBA Announcement
Both Flagg and Knueppel have consistently earned Rookie of the Month honors since November, but February’s recognition went to Knueppel in the East and Harper in the West, edging out Flagg as he contends with injury. Harper impressed by averaging 12.5 points and 4.9 assists, while shooting an efficient 55.4% from the field.
Knueppel’s health and performance have been key to his success; in 11 games played during February, he posted 21.5 points per game, connecting on 50% of his shots overall and an impressive 48% from beyond the arc on 9.2 attempts each game.
Before his injury on February 10, Flagg stood out with 27.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in four appearances. However, as of the latest updates, Flagg has missed seven consecutive games and is expected to continue sitting out through Tuesday, casting uncertainty over his immediate impact.
Former Duke Teammates Highlight the Rookie Competition
The Rookie of the Year battle is also notable for featuring two players who once played together at Duke University. Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, both first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, continue to lead the race with their respective teams.
Flagg was the top overall pick by the Mavericks, a spot long anticipated since his high school years. Meanwhile, Knueppel was selected fourth overall by the Hornets, following Flagg, Harper, and Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe in the draft order.
Through the current season, Knueppel has appeared in 60 games, averaging 19.3 points per game while shooting 48% from the field and 44% from three-point range. Beyond scoring, he contributes an average of 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest.
Cooper Flagg has played in 49 games so far, posting averages of 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game with shooting splits of 48% overall and 30% from three-point territory.
FanDuel’s latest odds reflect Knueppel as the favorite for Rookie of the Year at -170, with Flagg trailing at +135. VJ Edgecombe remains a distant third choice at +10000, underscoring the two Duke alumni’s prominence in the rookie race.
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Charlotte Hornets guard-forward Kon Knueppel have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in February. pic.twitter.com/TDOUi0acDC
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 3, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Charlotte Hornets guard-forward Kon Knueppel have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in February. pic.twitter.com/TDOUi0acDC
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 3, 2026
