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DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Before a recent setback, Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg was a runaway favorite for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.
As Flagg continues to miss time due to a midfoot sprain, some of his peers are making major strides. One player, in particular, has become a major threat to Flagg’s Rookie of the Year campaign.
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel has been Flagg’s biggest competition at this point of the season. An announcement from the NBA issued Knueppel another positive nod for his resume, which is bad news for Flagg.
NBA Makes A Kon Knueppel Announcement
via NBA: “San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Charlotte Hornets guard-forward Kon Knueppel have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in February.”
NBA Communications
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Charlotte Hornets guard-forward Kon Knueppel have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in February.
Since November, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel have been the NBA’s Rookie of the Month for each conference every time.
The trend continues in the Eastern Conference for January, but San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper beat out Flagg this time around.
The Spurs guard averaged 12.5 points and 4.9 assists, while shooting 55.4% from the field.
With Knueppel finding luck in the health department, his consistency has been unmatched. The young rookie played 11 games in February, averaging 21.5 points while shooting 50% from the field. He’s knocking down threes at a 48% clip, taking 9.2 attempts per game.
Flagg appeared in just four games before going down. He produced 27.3 points per game, along with 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists, before suffering his setback on February 10.
Heading into Tuesday’s action, Flagg is in the midst of a seven-game absence streak. The door is open for a return soon, but he’s expected to miss eight in a row on Tuesday.