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Charlotte Hornets
Dallas Mavericks
Aug 16, 2025 4:56 PM EDT
Cooper Flagg enters his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks as the overwhelming favorite to capture the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. ESPN BET lists the No. 1 pick at -190 odds, and according to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, the NBA draft lottery couldn’t have gone better” for the Duke forward.
However, while Flagg joins a playoff-caliber roster where he won’t be forced to carry a heavy load, Pelton cautioned Friday that a hyped prospect taking home hardware as a rookie is no guarantee.
“The last two American prospects in the same statistical category as Flagg, fellow Duke forward Zion Williamson in 2019 and Anthony Davis in 2012, fell short,” Pelton wrote. “Williamson dealt with injury, while Davis was simply bested by fellow future All-Star Damian Lillard.”
Among the challengers, Pelton identified three rookies likely to average double figures on rebuilding teams: Utah’s Ace Bailey, Washington’s Tre Johnson and Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel.
Of that group, Pelton argued Knueppel may be the best equipped to threaten Flagg.
“Knueppel, Flagg’s teammate at Duke, might have the most ready-made opportunity to thrive,” Pelton wrote. “The Hornets have quality young talent in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who combined to play just 74 games this past season, and a glaring need for Knueppel’s shooting.”
Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) and guard Kon Knueppel (7)
Former Duke Blue Devils guards Cooper Flagg (2) and Kon Knueppel (7) — Source: © Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Pelton added that Knueppel’s college production is another key advantage.
“Knueppel was more effective at Duke than the other one-and-done players in this group, which explains why he ranked No. 2 in my stats-based projections.”
With minutes available in Charlotte and a roster that needs perimeter spacing, Pelton views Knueppel as the rookie best positioned to push Flagg for the league’s top first-year honor.
The Hornets will be in action on Wednesday, October 22nd against the Brooklyn Nets.
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Jackson Naugle