Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel: The key stats you need to know in 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year debate

Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel: The key stats you need to know in 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year debate originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

This year's Rookie of the Year race is spearheaded by a pair of Duke alums making it big at the next level. Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel have enjoyed scorching starts to life in the NBA. The Mavericks and Hornets wings are undoubtedly the class of their class through one year, putting forth historic numbers while changing the cultures of their respective franchises.

Flagg, 18, entered the season with plenty of fanfare. Although he hasn't been able to compete in as many games as he would've hoped for prior to the start of the season, he is already starting to showcase his otherworldly potential. He kicked off April with a flourish, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points with a scoring outburst against the Magic .

Flagg then followed it up with a 45-point explosion against the Lakers . Knueppel, for all of his plaudits, hasn't quite been able to hit the heights of his former collegiate teammate. But he has gotten close, producing sizzling displays while anchoring Charlotte's playoff push.