L: Cooper Flagg | Image by Hoop Central @TheHoopCentral/X; R: Kon Knueppel | Image by r/CharlotteHornets @HornetsReddit/X
The Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has long been viewed as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
However, the latest Kia Rookie Ladder rankings released on January 21 show a shift at the top: Charlotte Hornets wing Kon Knueppel has now edged past Flagg to claim the No. 1 spot.
This ROTY race has been one of the closest and most intriguing in recent memory, pitting the two former Duke teammates and close friends against each other once again next week as the Mavericks take on the Charlotte Hornets at home.
Flagg – now ranked No. 2- continues to try to carry the Mavericks, who are ranked 12th in the Western Conference, especially with key pieces like Kyrie Irving still out due to an ACL tear from last March. Through mid-January of this year, he’s averaging around 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
The 19-year-old ranks among the top rookies in total points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. His brief break earlier this season due to an ankle sprain cost him a couple of games, which may be the tipping point in the latest ROTY ladder update.
Despite the ranking drop, sports betting markets still heavily favor Flagg for the award, with odds around -475 as of Friday at some sportsbooks, including FanDuel. His high usage rate, forced leadership role at a young age, and ability to play both sides of the court are all likely keeping him in pole position for many voters.
However, Knueppel, selected fourth overall in the same draft class, has been nothing short of sensational for the Hornets.
The ROTY ladder currently places him at No. 1 after a stretch of consistent high-efficiency games. He’s averaging around 19 points per game, along with 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists. His shooting has been historic for a rookie, with a field goal percentage near 48-49% and around 42% from 3-point range.
Knueppel has already shattered records for the fastest to make 100 threes as a rookie and is on pace to challenge or break the single-season rookie record for total 3s.
What separates Knueppel in recent rankings is his efficiency on lower usage, elite shooting (particularly from deep), and his lack of injury time. While the Hornets aren’t quite a contender either – also currently sitting at 12th place in their conference, Knueppel’s production has helped them show flashes of competitiveness, and his two-way play has earned some big praise.
The race remains razor-thin between the former Duke teammates with less than 3 months left in the regular season. The two will face off next week in a Mavs home game against the Hornets on Thursday, January 29, at 7:30 p.m. CST.