Knueppel passes Flagg as Rookie of the Year favorite

Kon Knueppel (-200) passed Cooper Flagg (+115) as the Rookie of the Year favorite on theScore Bet over the weekend. Flagg was a -1200 favorite in January, but the Mavericks rookie suffered a foot injury in mid-February that's sidelined him for the past seven games.

The former Duke teammates are both having historic rookie seasons. Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. The 19-year-old became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a game and the first teenager to record at least 30 points in three straight games.

After a questionable start, Flagg's emerged as one of the most impressive rookies in decades. He's a powerful finisher who's efficient in the midrange and has mastered getting to his spots, and he's a menace defensively. The lone weak spot in Flagg's game is his 3-point shooting, but that's common for high-usage, ball-dominant rookies. He's destined to become a perennial All-NBA player.

However, Flagg's lack of availability has derailed his Rookie of the Year campaign. That's left the door open for Knueppel, who's been reliable for the soaring Hornets.

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Knueppel isn't just the best shooter in this rookie class; he's one of the best shooters in the NBA. He's already set the rookie record for made 3-pointers with over 20 games remaining. Knueppel leads the NBA in made threes (211) by a wide margin while shooting 44% from deep, the second-highest mark among the 95 players who attempt at least five threes per game.

The 20-year-old can drill threes off the bounce and on the move, and he's also effective when he puts the ball on the floor as a scorer and creator. He's averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for a Charlotte team that's in the Eastern Conference playoff mix. Knueppel's numbers would typically solidify him as the Rookie of the Year, but Flagg's been better when he's suited up.

However, Flagg's absence gives Knueppel a chance. The last four Rookie of the Year winners played at least 70 games, although the honor doesn't have a minimum games played requirement (unlike the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player awards, where it's set at 65).

Flagg could miss the rest of the season and still technically win, but would voters reward him if he only plays 49 games? Winners typically don't miss much time.

LaMelo Ball missed 21 games in a 72-game season, but that's rare. 2012 Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving played in 51 games, and he's the only winner since 2010 who missed more than 30 contests.

Flagg's status is uncertain with 22 games left. If he doesn't play again this season, he'll have missed 33 contests, making it almost impossible for voters to back him with Knueppel on the ballot. The Mavericks won't rush Flagg back from his injury, and they might hold him out even if he's healthy; the 2026 draft marks the last time they control their first-round pick until 2031. Dallas currently owns the league's seventh-worst record.

A month ago, the Rookie of the Year race seemed like a foregone conclusion. Now it won't be decided until the season's final weeks, and Flagg's continued absence only helps Knueppel's case.

Sam Oshtry is a sports writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more basketball coverage.

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