Former Duke Teammates Battle for NBA Rookie of the Year in Tight Race Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, once inseparable teammates on the Duke Blue Devils, are now locked in a fierce competition for the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year award. The race, which has remained unpredictable throughout the season, is now entering its final stretch, with neither player holding a definitive edge. Their contrasting styles and paths have created a compelling narrative, as their shared history as teammates adds an extra layer of intrigue to the award race. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been a standout performer for the Dallas Mavericks. His season has been defined by explosive individual moments, including a historic 51-point game against the Utah Jazz, where he poured in 24 points in the fourth quarter to take control of the game. This performance, which made him the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points, has cemented his reputation as a rare talent capable of delivering game-changing performances. Flagg’s resume includes multiple 40-point games, a 49-point outing earlier this season, and a consistent role as the Mavericks’ primary offensive weapon. However, his impact has been tempered by the team’s inconsistent results, with Dallas failing to convert his stellar performances into wins. Knueppel, meanwhile, has built his case on consistency and efficiency. Playing for the Charlotte Hornets, he has averaged nearly 19 points per game while shooting over 43% from three-point range. His season has been marked by a steady accumulation of milestones, including becoming the fastest player in NBA history to reach multiple three-point milestones and setting a rookie record for most three-pointers in a season.#duke_blue_devils #dallas_mavericks #cooper_flagg #kon_knueppel #nba_rookie_of_the_year
