The 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year race was never a blowout.
Cooper Flagg entered the league as a generational prospect and has been a standout star for the Dallas Mavericks. Kon Knueppel has also quietly put up an impressive campaign for the Charlotte Hornets.
Naturally, debates around who should be awarded the ROTY are gaining pace, and 10-time All-Star Paul Pierce is backing the Mavericks’ phenom to win it.
Why Paul Pierce Backs Cooper Flagg for NBA Rookie of the Year
In the latest segment of the “No Fouls Given” podcast alongside Danny Green, 10-time All-Star Paul Pierce was adamant on who he thought should take the ROTY title this season.
Green started the discussion by highlighting Knueppel’s durability and his unexpected impact on a surging Charlotte Hornets squad.
“It’s closer, but I think it’s still Kon Knueppel,” Green said. “Like he’s got him [Flagg] by 10 games of health, like playing-wise anyway, and he’s been more consistent. And you know, some people say, ‘Oh, Kon’s got the better team.’ Like, who the hell was saying that before the season? Nobody.”
In response, Pierce, dismissing the argument of team success factoring into the equation, said, “Nah, I’m going back on the Flagg bandwagon. This is starting to look like the marathon… Most of the rookie of the years who win it are on a bad team. Like, we don’t count winning in the rookie of the year race. Let’s just be honest. Because think about it. Wemby was on the losing team…”
Green makes a compelling point. Knueppel has suited up for 78 games, averaging 31.5 minutes for a team desperately needing stability. He is averaging 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
For Pierce, individual brilliance takes priority, and Flagg fits that mold well. He is averaging 21.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists for the Mavericks.
Flagg’s athleticism is phenomenal, allowing the 19-year-old to regularly make plays veterans wouldn’t even attempt. This was highlighted by a recent explosive 51-point performance against the Orlando Magic on Friday, April 3, when he shot 63.3% from the floor.
With Flagg taking on a massive offensive burden for a struggling Mavericks side every night, his impact has been undeniable.
And visible.
Although Flagg is now considered the favorite to win ROTY ahead of Knueppel, his availability poses doubts, as the rookie has played just 66 games this season so far.
The voters face a difficult decision. Flagg’s ability to thrive despite a heavier individual burden? Or Knueppel’s elite spacing and consistent production?
