Chandler Parsons explains how play-in led to Cooper Flagg winning ROY over Kon Knueppel

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Chandler Parsons explains how play-in led to Cooper Flagg winning ROY over Kon Knueppel

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Zachary Draves, ClutchPoints | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 2:38 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets got the most out of the Rookie Kon Knueppel. However, he lost the Rookie of the Year Award to Cooper Flagg. Although the Hornets surprised many and made it to the Play-In tournament, the question arises whether that ultimately hurt Knueppel’s chances.

NBA analyst Chandler Parsons made that argument on Run It Back on FanDuel TV. Essentially, he said that Knueppel’s poor performance in the Play-In tournament sealed his fate.

“If Kon Knueppel doesn’t make the play-in, I swear he probably wins Rookie of the Year… But because he made the play-in and played awful, that swayed voters,” Parsons said.

“If Kon Knueppel doesn't make the play-in, I swear he probably wins Rookie of the Year… But because he made the play-in and played awful, that swayed voters.”

– Chandler Parsons

(via @RunItBackFDTV) pic.twitter.com/A4Tjrar5Of

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 28, 2026

Knueppel scored only 6 points and shot 2-for-12 from the field. The Hornets came through in a dramatic 127-126 OT win over the Miami Heat. He scored 11 points and shot 3-for-10 from the field in a 121-90 loss to the Orlando Magic in the second Play-In game.

Knueppel had a history-making rookie season and was in a tight battle with his former Duke teammate for Rookie of the Year.

In the end, Knueppel finished averaging 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game and shot 47.5% from the field and 42.5% from the 3-point line. He became the first NBA rookie to ever lead in 3-pointers made with 273.

He’s the youngest player in NBA history to record 250 3-pointers in a season. In the process, Knueppel surpassed Kemba Walker for the most 3-pointers in franchise history.

Although the Hornets made the Playoffs and Knueppel was consistent and efficient, Flagg became the first rookie since Michael Jordan to lead his team in scoring, assists, rebounding, and blocks.

Flagg defeated Knueppel with 56 votes over 44.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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