Kon Knueppel has officially overtaken Cooper Flagg at the top of the 2025-26 Kia Rookie Ladder, earning the top spot in the final rankings of the season. The Charlotte Hornets guard's consistency, efficiency, and impact on a winning team have made him the favorite for the Rookie of the Year award over the Dallas Mavericks' star.
Knueppel led all rookies in 3-pointers made with 265, shattering Keegan Murray’s previous record. He shot 43% from beyond the arc, averaging 3.4 makes per game. His effective field goal percentage (60.8%) and true shooting percentage (64%) ranked second among rookies.
Flagg, who led in points per game (21.1) and total scoring, fell to second after a season plagued by injuries. He missed 12 games and struggled from 3-point range, hitting just 29.7%. His 51-point game against Orlando in March was impressive, but it wasn’t enough to overcome his inconsistency and the Hornets’ better win total.
VJ Edgecombe of the 76ers held steady at No. 3, earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team for his all-around contributions. Edgecombe averaged 15.8 points and 6.2 rebounds while leading the league in free-throw attempts among rookies.
Knueppel’s value to the Hornets cannot be overstated. Charlotte improved from 19 to 43 wins this season, and the team has been one of the most efficient in the league since January. In games he played, the Hornets posted an 11.7 net rating, the best of any rookie.
Flagg’s impact was less clear. Dallas lost 14 more games than last season, and Flagg’s minus-275 overall plus/minus is a stark contrast to Knueppel’s plus-326. While Flagg’s individual performances were flashy, the Mavericks’ disjointed season limited his ability to influence the standings.
The All-Rookie First Team also included Derek Harper of the Spurs and Maxime Raynaud of the Kings. Harper led the league in assists among rookies with 5.9 per game, while Raynaud was a versatile forward who averaged 14.3 points and 7.1 rebounds.
The All-Rookie Second Team featured Cedric Coward of the Grizzlies, Ace Bailey of the Jazz, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears of the Pelicans, and Tre Johnson of the Wizards. Each of these players made strong cases for recognition with consistent play over the season.
The final rankings will be submitted to the NBA as part of the Rookie of the Year voting process. The winner will be announced in early May, just days before the NBA Draft.
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