As the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds, the Rookie of the Year race is heating up in ways few anticipated. While Cooper Flagg entered the season with sky-high expectations as the top pick for the Dallas Mavericks, he hasn't completely run away with the award. Instead, his former college teammate, Kon Knueppel, has emerged as a formidable contender, keeping the race neck and neck.
Flagg's journey with the Mavericks began with some bumps, especially as the team experimented with him at point guard-a move that didn't quite click. However, Flagg's recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 32.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over his last six games. For the season, he's putting up impressive numbers: 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
On the flip side, Knueppel has been a revelation for the Charlotte Hornets. Known primarily as a sharpshooter during his college days, he's expanded his offensive repertoire, averaging 18.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency is turning heads, with a remarkable 48.4% from the field and 43.1% from beyond the arc.
Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the debate, highlighting Flagg's all-around game as a crucial factor.
"Cooper does it all," Smith stated on ESPN's First Take. "He’s the total package.
The Mavericks see him as the future face of their franchise, and they’re building around him because he is worth it."
Flagg's prowess on both ends of the court is what sets him apart. His defensive tenacity matches his offensive flair, making him a complete player who never takes plays off-a rare trait for a rookie.
Knueppel, while not as defensively dominant as Flagg, has earned comparisons to a young Klay Thompson, particularly for his shooting. Smith acknowledged Knueppel's surprising impact, noting his rapid ascent to becoming the fastest player in NBA history to hit 100 career three-pointers, as well as his standout performance in the All-Star Three-Point Contest.
The Rookie of the Year race remains wide open, with both players showcasing unique talents. Whether Flagg's all-around brilliance or Knueppel's sharpshooting consistency will prevail is yet to be seen. With several months left in the season, fans can expect this thrilling battle to continue unfolding.