Entering the 2025-26 NBA season, many people expected Dallas Maverick and first overall pick Cooper Flagg to run away with Rookie of the Year honors.
However so far this year, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, Flagg’s college teammate at Duke, has firmly put himself in the discussion to go down as this season’s standout rookie with his stellar play.
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The ShotClock’s Instagram account broke down just how incredible Knueppel has been in the early stages of his rookie year and went through some of the absurd numbers which the 2025 fourth overall pick has been putting up.
Nov 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots over Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Knueppel is having a stellar rookie year
While we are still a few days away from the month December, Knueppel has been shooting the ball with terrific efficiency up to this point.
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And as per The ShotClock, he currently has the highest true shooting percentage that has ever been posted by a first year player in NBA history, granted there has only been 17 games so far in Charlotte’s campaign.
Knueppel is also the youngest player in the history of the league to shoot at clips of at least 55% from the field, 40% from three and 90% from the free throw line, while also averaging 20 points per contest across a span of 15 games.
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Nov 17, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (7) shoots the ball against Toronto Raptors center Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The 20 year old is also currently on pace to shatter the record for most three point field goals made by a rookie throughout an entire season and so far this year, only former MVPs Stephen Curry and James Harden have recorded more games with at least 20 points and five three pointers made.
As of now, the prediction market Kalshi is even giving Knueppel better odds than Flagg to take home the Rookie of the Year crown. By the looks of things, the Rookie of the Year award may not actually be Flagg’s to lose after all.
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