The highly anticipated 2025-26 NBA season is still in its nascent stages, yet a compelling narrative is already taking shape as former college teammates and top draft picks, Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg, navigate their rookie campaigns. While Flagg was the consensus number one pick, the early season returns indicate that it is the Charlotte Hornets‘ Knueppel who is currently delivering superior statistical production, challenging the initial expectations and igniting the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Rookie Race Reshaped – Knueppel vs Flagg
The Draft Night Dynamic: From Blue Devils to NBA Rivals
Knueppel and Flagg were key players for the Duke Blue Devils during their lone collegiate season (2024-25), leading the team to a Final Four appearance. Flagg was widely projected as the undisputed first overall pick, a prediction that materialized when the Dallas Mavericks selected him in the 2025 NBA Draft. Knueppel, on the other hand, was considered a lottery pick but it was still a surprise when the Hornets selected him fourth overall. However, Knueppel proved that he was a much better player than scouts originally thought after stepping up and leading the Blue Devils to the ACC Tournament title. He also claimed ACC Tournament MVP, proving he could lead the team while Flagg was out with an injury.
The teammates shared a supportive bond in college, with Knueppel praising Flagg’s relentless motor and competitive drive. Now, as first-year professionals, their paths have diverged into the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively, and the early statistical comparison reveals an intriguing role reversal from their pre-draft hype.
Statistical Breakdown: Knueppel’s Scoring Edge
Through the initial weeks of the 2025-26 NBA season, Knueppel has been a more prolific and efficient scorer. Entering Monday’s action, he is averaging 17.2 points per game across 13 contests, outperforming Flagg’s mark of 15.6 points per game in 14 games. Knueppel’s success is largely attributed to his elite shooting, with a higher field goal percentage and a significantly better three-point percentage.
Knueppel’s ability to seamlessly transition his perimeter shooting to the NBA level has made him an immediate asset for the Hornets, as noted in expert analysis predicting he would thrive in an off-ball role, benefiting from the attention paid to other star players like LaMelo Ball.
The Versatility of Flagg and Knueppel’s Immediate Impact
While Knueppel currently holds the scoring and shooting advantage, Flagg’s overall game should not be overlooked. Flagg’s reputation as a versatile, do-it-all player is reflected in his slightly better rebounding (6.7 RPG vs 5.9 RPG), assists (3.2 APG vs 2.8 APG), and a higher steal and block rate. His defensive prowess and all-around court awareness were key reasons for his top-billing.
However, the current early season narrative favors Knueppel’s immediate scoring punch and efficiency. This unexpected performance has propelled Knueppel up the Kia Rookie Ladder, with analysts acknowledging he has firmly entered the Rookie of the Year conversation. Flagg is off to a strong start amid a turbulent beginning for his Mavericks team, but Knueppel’s standout scoring has made the initial difference.
Ultimately, the two rising stars are adapting to the demands of the NBA, and the season is long. Yet, as of mid-November, Knueppel has surprised many by outshining his former Duke teammate and consensus No. 1 pick, proving to be one of the early success stories of the rookie class.
His confident start has given the Hornets an immediate boost and established a captivating storyline for the rest of the season as these two young stars continue their professional careers. The expectation is that Flagg will continue to improve and eventually take control of the Rookie of the Year race, with FanDuel still listing him as the favorite to win at -130, but it is no longer considered a sure thing.
Main Image: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
