Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel Headline Early Rookie of the Year Race

The 2025 NBA season tipped off with heavy anticipation surrounding the Rookie of the Year race, and early returns have not disappointed. Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick and preseason favorite, has opened the year with the poise and production expected of a franchise cornerstone.

His leading challenger, however, is someone who knows him as well as anyone: former Duke teammate and current Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel. The rookie sharpshooter has matched Flagg’s early-season impact while giving Charlotte one of its most promising young scorers in years.

This week, the NBA announced Flagg as the Western Conference Rookie of the Month and Knueppel as the Eastern Conference winner for November. The honor not only validates their strong debuts but also marks a notable first in league history.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, it is the first time both Rookies of the Month hail from the same college—a testament to the duo’s dominance during their short time at Duke and their seamless transition to the professional game.

1. Flagg Establishes Himself Early

Cooper Flagg entered the season with immense expectations as the top draft pick, and so far, he has embraced the spotlight. Flagg is averaging 17 points per game, showing an ability to score at all three levels while contributing efficiently as a rebounder and playmaker. His 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game reflect a well-rounded skill set that fits perfectly into Dallas’ system. Although his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, his overall field-goal percentage of 46.6% indicates room for continued growth without sacrificing effectiveness. For a Mavericks team looking to build around youth and versatility, Flagg’s early-season steadiness has been a promising sign of what could become a Rookie of the Year–caliber campaign.

2. Knueppel’s Sharpshooting Sparks Charlotte

Kon Knueppel has emerged as one of the most reliable perimeter threats in the rookie class, offering immediate offense for Charlotte. Averaging 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, Knueppel has shown a complete offensive arsenal highlighted by elite three-point accuracy. His 41.5% shooting from deep ranks among the best marks for any first-year player. He also delivered one of the early-season’s most memorable moments, capitalizing on a defensive breakdown by Toronto’s Brandon Ingram to bury a game-tying shot that forced overtime—ultimately helping Charlotte secure an upset win. Knueppel’s combination of scoring efficiency and clutch confidence has quickly made him a central figure in the Hornets’ rebuilding vision.

3. A Two-Rookie Duel Takes Shape

While other rookies, including VJ Edgecombe, have shown flashes worthy of recognition, the early narrative is firmly centered on Flagg and Knueppel. The pair’s success has sparked renewed conversation about their shared time at Duke, raising questions about how a team with that much talent failed to secure a national championship last season. With both rookies leading their respective franchises in meaningful ways, the Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the league’s most compelling storylines. Fans won’t have to wait long to see the pair go head-to-head: the Mavericks and Hornets meet for the first time this season on January 29, a matchup that could offer an early statement in the award race.