Charlotte Hornets wing Kon Knueppel continues to surge in the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year race, emerging as the biggest early-season threat to his former Duke teammate, Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg.
Though the competition for the award is heating up, Flagg’s mom, Kelly, is relishing Knueppel’s strong start while holding out hope for a potential mid-career change of scenery.
Cooper Flagg’s Mom Advocates for Kon Knueppel To Join Mavericks
Knueppel has turned heads with his crafty, versatile offensive production, shouldering an increased workload with Charlotte frequently undermanned. The 2025 No. 4 pick has thrived as a three-level scorer and playmaker, reaching the 20-point mark in six of his first 14 games, including two 30-plus-point outings.
Over his last eight contests, Knueppel is averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.4 3-pointers per game on standout 47.6/38.6/92.9 shooting splits.
The 6-foot-6 sharpshooter’s consistent, well-rounded output has been reflected in the betting market. On Tuesday, Kalshi Sports boosted his ROTY odds to 27%, second only to Flagg (54%), and nearly double Philadelphia 76ers standout VJ Edgecombe (15%), garnering Flagg’s mom’s approval.
“He is an amazing young man and player. Would love him in Dallas!” Kelly wrote on X.
Flagg and Knueppel are both locked under contract for the foreseeable future, in Year 1 of four-year deals, ineligible for restricted free agency until the 2029 offseason. Still, a reunion could come into play down the line, should the former college teammates decide to try to settle their unfinished business as co-stars.
The duo helped lead Duke to a dominant 35-4 record during their freshman college campaign before coming up short as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils suffered an improbable late-game collapse against Houston in the Final Four, falling 70-67 and suffering a shocking elimination.
Following Flagg and Knueppel’s first NBA preseason matchup on Oct. 11, the Mavericks phenom raved about his ex-teammate and the unbreakable bond they formed at Duke.
“The No. 4 pick is a pretty big deal, so just being happy for him,” Flagg said. “That is somebody who is going to be a friend of mine for life, so just happy for him. I think he is in a great situation and a great spot. I’m just so happy for him moving forward and the opportunity that he has.”
Perhaps eventually chasing an NBA title together could ease the sting of Flagg and Knueppel’s college heartbreak and further strengthen their lifelong bond.
