Q&A: Kon Knueppel on 'fun' ROY chase with Cooper Flagg, Hornets rise

Kon Knueppel winning Rookie of the Year and the Charlotte Hornets making the NBA playoffs. Those are two things most people wouldn't have bet on coming into the 2025-26 season. But as the campaign nears an end in two weeks, both are incredibly close to fruition.

And one couldn't have happened without the other. Though Knueppel's former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg entered the year with all the hype of a can't miss prospect guaranteed to win ROY -- and has largely delivered on that promise -- it's been the No. 4 overall pick Knueppel who's stood out as having arguably the better season.

His success has been a catalyst for Charlotte's unlikely rise to playoff contention, with the Hornets firmly in play-in position and just 1. 5 games out of sixth place in the Eastern Conference. FTW caught up with Knueppel to discuss the Rookie of the Year race, Charlotte's success, this year's Duke team and more.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. While I don't think many people are surprised by your success, they might be surprised that you've arguably been the top rookie this year. How much have you surprised yourself?