Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel just etched their names into the NBA history books - together.
The pair of former Duke standouts were named the NBA’s Rookies of the Month for October and November, with Flagg taking home the honor in the Western Conference and Knueppel earning it in the East. It’s the first time since the league began awarding the honor by conference in 2001 that both winners came from the same college program. That’s not just a fun fact - it’s a statement about the kind of talent Duke sent to the league this year.
Let’s start with Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, who has quickly found his footing in Dallas after a bit of a slow burn to begin the season. The 18-year-old capped off November with a career-high 35-point explosion against the Clippers - the kind of performance that turns heads and quiets any early questions about his readiness.
Through his first 20 games, Flagg is averaging 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He’s shooting a solid 46.2% from the field and 80.3% from the free-throw line - both strong marks for a rookie, especially one who entered the league with sky-high expectations.
The three-point shot is still a work in progress at 25.3%, but everything else in his game is already clicking. He’s showing poise, versatility, and a knack for making the right play - traits that don’t always show up in the box score but are already making an impact in Dallas.
Over in Charlotte, Knueppel - the fourth overall pick - has stepped into a featured role and looked like he belongs from day one. He’s averaging 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting an impressive 47% from the floor and a blistering 41.3% from beyond the arc. That kind of shooting efficiency, especially from deep, is rare for a rookie and gives the Hornets a dynamic perimeter threat they’ve sorely needed.
Knueppel’s game is polished, and his confidence is evident. He’s not just filling a role - he’s helping redefine what this Charlotte team can be offensively. His ability to space the floor, attack closeouts, and contribute across the board has made him an early cornerstone for the Hornets.
In earning their respective Rookie of the Month honors, Flagg edged out Cedric Coward, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen in the West. Knueppel topped VJ Edgecombe and Ryan Kalkbrenner in the East. That’s stiff competition, and it speaks volumes about how quickly both players have adjusted to the NBA pace and physicality.
For Duke fans, this is a proud moment. For the rest of the league, it’s a warning: these two rookies aren’t just off to hot starts - they’re setting the foundation for what could be long, impactful careers. The NBA’s rookie class is loaded with talent, but right now, Flagg and Knueppel are leading the charge.