Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel Go Head-to-Head

It is a battle between Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel — or is it? It is quite a contentious topic, but continue reading for further information and insight to make an informed decision.

Flagg, 19, is a forward from Newport, Maine, while Knueppel, 20, is a guard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both rookies skyrocketed as part of the stacked draft class since the star-studded 2025 NBA Draft.

Both players played at Duke University during the 2024-25 season. Flagg excelled as ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, joining Zion Williamson, Marvin Bagley III, and Jahlil Okafor as the only Duke players in conference history to win both awards in the same season. Meanwhile, Knueppel shone as ACC Rookie of the Week and ACC Tournament MVP.

Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel

The 2025 NBA Draft class is stacked, to say the least. There are rookies like Flagg, Kon, VJ Edgecombe, Derik Queen, and Cedric Coward who are taking the league by storm. The 2025 NBA Draft lived up to the hype.

The 2025 Draft class contains future superstars, historic shooters, and game-changing big men. This draft class also contains a handful of undrafted free agents looking to make waves.

When it comes to the Flagg vs. Knueppel debate, Flagg’s ability to face the challenges the NBA and the Dallas Mavericks have thrown at him has made him stronger. The Mavs may have gotten lucky with the No. 1 pick, but Flagg’s ascension is one to watch, especially in the three-point shooting department.

Knueppel’s efficiency at shooting the ball resembles Stephen Curry in the twilight of the Warriors’ dynasty years in the late 2010s. Knueppel is on the path to becoming one of the greatest shooters of all time. The Charlotte Hornets leverage his off-ball shooting and snap decision-making by turning him into a downhill driver out of zoom actions.

Flagg and Knueppel are former Duke teammates and potential NBA rivals. However, both first-year NBA players have been showcasing impressive performances while maintaining a close friendship that began in Durham, North Carolina.

Flagg vs. Knueppel

As the 2025-26 NBA season progresses, so do the NBA Rookie Ladder and Rookie of the Year races. Flagg’s overall stats include 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, and for December, an impressive 23.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. His consistent production and ability to perform in clutch situations contributed to his rise in the NBA Rookie Ladder.

Knueppel’s significant impact, averaging 19.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, has sparked discussions among NBA fans about the competitiveness of the NBA Rookie of the Year race. Knueppel also became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 100 three-pointers made after achieving the feat in just 29 games.

On Wednesday, Knueppel reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the NBA Rookie Ladder after leading all rookies in total points and points per game. Flagg trailed in the No. 2 spot.

Freshman 15

In this instance, the “Freshman 15” refers to the most important and impactful rookies at the midway point of the season, not the weight gain during a college student’s first year of college.

Knueppel is a player a team can build an offense around. Knueppel and the Charlotte Hornets have had the NBA’s best offensive efficiency since mid-December, concurring with Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball returning to the court from injury. Charlotte has been scoring a red-hot 128 points per 100 possessions when Knueppel, Miller, and Ball share the floor.

Flagg’s slow start could’ve been attributed to the transition to professional basketball and the challenges of starting in a new position. Flagg’s start as a point guard, despite being a forward, saw Head Coach Jason Kidd being slammed by the NBA world with criticism, but Flagg has been appearing to make do. Flagg’s talent shouldn’t be downplayed by anyone.