By Justin GrassoShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberCooper Flagg has been the favorite to win the NBA’s 2026 Rookie of the Year pick before he even heard his name called on draft night back in June. The Dallas Mavericks’ forward has been buzzing as a top prospect since his high school days.
Following his lone season at Duke, Flagg expectedly landed in the NBA as the top pick. His debut was highly anticipated, and he continues to have all eyes on him as many expect Flagg to become the top player in his class. However, the NBA legend Reggie Miller has his sights set on a different Rookie of the Year candidate.
Miller believes that Flagg’s Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, will be the eventual winner.
“He’s winning Rookie of the Year!” Miller confidently claimed to Dan Patrick.
...The ex-Indiana Pacers star took his prediction up 10 more notches and sent a warning shot to Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who holds the NBA’s all-time three-point record.
“He’s winning Rookie of the Year and dare I say this… Dare I say this: Is Stephen Curry going to be a little nervous in about 15 years?” Miller added.
“Just go back and look at Steph’s first two or three years in terms of three-pointers made, and what Kon has done this year. Just look at their first years! Here’s the problem: You’ve got to stay healthy. Longevity. 17 years, 18 years for Stephen Curry. Can Kon Knueppel do that over a long period of time? I want to see it. And Kon is doing it in Charlotte. In Charlotte.”
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Miller might be getting a little carried away on that second part, but the first is certainly valid. Flagg’s start in Dallas has been more on the underwhelming side, while Knueppel has certainly turned heads in Charlotte.
In 17 games, Knueppel has made 49 percent of his shots from the field, draining 43 percent of his threes. He is averaging 19.4 points per game, along with 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
Flagg has made 18 appearances so far, seeing the court for 33.6 minutes per game. He is averaging 45 percent from the field and knocking down 26 percent of his threes while taking 3.8 attempts per game. Flagg is posting averages of 15.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
The NBA’s recent rookie ladder was released on Wednesday morning. Miller’s prediction matches the results of that, as Knueppel is in the top spot right in front of Flagg. The Hornets’ young star has held No. 1 since the last release, while Flagg jumped a spot up.
There’s a lot of basketball left to be played, so the Rookie of the Year race is far from over.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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