Why Kon Knueppel Can Win NBA Rookie of the Year
The midway point of the 2025-26 NBA season is upon us, and it’s time for us to think about the potential NBA Rookie of the Year award winner. Technically, three months remain for a clear picture before 100 media members vote for their top three candidates. The first-place vote is worth five points, the second-place vote is worth three points, and the third-place vote is worth one point.
The NBA Rookie Ladder race has been competitive, with Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe as regulars.
Knueppel, 20, Flagg, 19, and Edgecombe, 20, joined the NBA as part of a stacked 2025 NBA Draft class. However, Knueppel’s case for the NBA Rookie of the Year award is stronger than those of Flagg and Edgecombe. Here’s why the other Duke teammate has an edge.
Kon Knueppel Can Win NBA Rookie of the Year
While media members may require three months for full clarity, Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee appears to have a definitive stance on where Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel ranks in the 2025 NBA Draft Class.
Lee, 41, said, “I think Kon is the best one.” Of course, the 41-year-old serves as a partisan voice for the Hornets after taking the reins following two NBA championships as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. The 41-year-old’s background was as a single-equity stock trader on Wall Street.
However, some NBA teams’ front offices, executives, and scouts wouldn’t be surprised if Knueppel wins. Knueppel’s shooting ability, playmaking skills, and court vision shine. The 20-year-old’s shot preparation, sharp shot mechanics, and shot versatility also shine.
Knueppel’s Outlook
Knueppel’s outlook appears to be bright. Knueppel is a promising rookie for the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 19 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting 48.2% from the field and 42.3% from the three-point range. His shooting efficiency is impressive, ranking third in the NBA. He has won NBA Rookie of the Month so far this season.
Many observers have predicted that Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg will win the NBA Rookie of the Year award after the Mavericks drafted Flagg with the No. 1 pick at the 2025 NBA Draft. Obviously, Flagg’s star power plays a factor in the award’s race. His stellar leadership, basketball IQ, versatility, and physicality shine. His frequent appearances in TV commercials for Gatorade, AT&T, and New Balance also shine due to his good looks.
VJ Edgecombe is also a contender for the award. Edgecombe is known for his superb basketball IQ, both on and off the court, and for his love for his older brother, Tario Retario Edgecombe, a fashion designer who made sacrifices to help his younger brother move to South Florida to pursue a professional basketball career.
Edgecombe is averaging 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while shooting 42.9% from the field and 36.8% from the three-point range. Many observers consider him as a wild card for the award, but anything can happen.
Knueppel’s Edge Over Flagg
Barring any significant injuries this season, Kon Knueppel has an edge over his former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg. Knueppel’s dominance as both a scorer and a defender displays consistency. To be fair, Flagg’s defense and scoring impact the game, but there’s room for improvement.
The Dallas Mavericks didn’t put Flagg in a position to succeed as a primary playmaker, despite the team’s argument that the temporary point guard role would help him expand his game. Knueppel has remained an elite shooter, just like in his Duke days, despite the NBA’s deep three-point line and increased physicality.
“He tries to get a good shot every time. He doesn’t force anything,” Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges said of Knueppel. “That’s why his percentages are so high. Plus, he can shoot the blood out of the ball. That makes a difference.”
“He’s stayed within himself early on. He didn’t try to do too much,” Lee said. “He understood that he could play off of what was going on with Brandon and Melo and all of the gravity that they attract, take advantage of it and knock down some shots.”
What’s Next
Knueppel has become an effective two-way player in the NBA. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native will likely participate in the NBA’s three-point contest during NBA All-Star Weekend from February 13-15. The Milwaukee native isn’t just a shooting specialist, but also an all-around good player.
