The NBA Rookie of the Year race has become extremely interesting over the last month or so, with a new contender looking likely to capture the coveted prize in their first year of professional basketball.
Many had believed Cooper Flagg would run away with the award before the season had started, and once he started to find his feet with the Dallas Mavericks, the same assumption continued to be made. In fact, it’s possible to argue that there was a growing confidence as he continued to perform.
Indeed, it’s not a real surprise that he was a big favorite heading into the NBA season. He excelled while he was playing college basketball with Duke, playing an integral role as they reached the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.
With March Madness on the horizon, many are already looking forward to watching the latest group of prospects that could be contenders for the NBA Rookie of the Year award next time around. The tournament attracts many NBA fans who also use the top college basketball betting sites to wager on the games that take place because of their competitive nature.
Another player who would have caught attention with his performances would have been Kon Knueppel. He was a teammate of Flagg’s at Duke, but while the spotlight was on his former college mate, it’s firmly on him in the NBA right now.
Why Kon Knueppel is the leading ROTY contender?
Kon Knueppel has redefined rookie expectations with historic shooting, averaging 19 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 3.5 APG on absurd efficiency. He has a success rate of around 48.9% FG and 43.7% from three. He has made over 207 makes, beating Keegan Murray’s record. Murray set the record in 80 games during the 2022-23 season; Knueppel needed just 59 games to reach it. Now, he’s said to be gunning for Steph Curry’s 402 3s in a single season record.
He’s the first rookie to hit 200 threes in under four months, blending sharp off-ball movement, playmaking, and subtle defense (0.8 SPG) to fuel Charlotte’s impressive turn of form since January. With low-turnover decision-making, flawless free-throw stroke (88-93%), and consistent 15-30 point nights, he has already earned four straight Rookie of the Month awards and is the current holder of the No. 1 Ladder spot in this year’s race.
In addition to the key stats highlighted, Knueppel has established a reputation for reliability. He has consistently been available for the Charlotte Hornets this season, having not had to spend too much time on the sidelines with a major injury. He has had elite March splits (20.0 PPG, 52.4% FG) and has been an influential reason for why the Hornets are where they are now in the Eastern Conference.
A postseason berth remains in the balance currently, but if Knueppel can continue to perform consistently over the remainder of the regular-season, they’ll have every chance of a Play-In spot at the very least.
Why Cooper Flagg cannot be ruled out of the race
Cooper Flagg remains a legitimate contender for the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year award despite trailing Kon Knueppel, thanks to his elite two-way impact, recent return from injury, and massive role on a contender.
He leads rookies in scoring (between 20.3-20.4 PPG in 51 games), rebounds (between 6.5-6.6 RPG), and assists (between 4.1-4.2 APG), with 1.2 SPG and 0.8-0.9 BPG. These are stats that outpace Knueppel’s efficiency focus. He’s posted a 49-point game (against Charlotte), 10-rebound explosions and leads Dallas in clutch scoring (52 PTS on 59% shooting), proving he thrives under pressure.
Flagg has also proven to be dominant in defense. No rookie matches Flagg’s defensive versatility, as he has a top-10 in steals and blocks among rookies, with highlight blocks and switches against stars like Nikola Jokic, making him a cornerstone for Dallas’ top-5 defense.
He has been described by analysts as a “future superstar” whose two-way game elevates team wins more than pure scoring. With the Mavs having a lighter schedule, there’s every chance he could put himself back into the race as the #1 player for the Rookie of the Year award.
Who is most likely to win the ROTY award?
As of early March 2026, the NBA’s official Rookie Ladder has Kon Knueppel at No. 1 and Cooper Flagg at No. 2. Indeed, he has been impressive and has arguably outshone what Flagg has been able to achieve in his rookie year in the NBA.
With the Mavs struggling, a place in the postseason is looking unlikely. If the Hornets are able to qualify and the Mavs don’t, there’s every chance that Knueppel edges this battle between two former Duke stars.
