Why Reggie Miller is still going with Kon Knueppel over Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year

The NBA Rookie of the Year Award seems to be a two-horse race between Charlotte Hornets’ wing Kon Knueppel and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg. Basketball legend Reggie Miller has claimed before that he thinks Knueppel is more deserving of the award, and stuck to his guns about it with his comments on Tuesday.

During a guest appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Miller proclaimed he believes the 20-year-old star in Charlotte should win the Rookie of the Year Award this season. Miller acknowledges how well Flagg has played, especially recently. However, his pick remains with Knueppel.

“I’m still going with Kon,” said Miller. “But what Cooper Flagg has done over the last week or so… that’s great and all. But Kon and his team, every game means something.”

“I'm still going with Kon."

Reggie Miller says he’s still taking Kon Knueppel over Cooper Flagg for ROTY

(via @dpshow) pic.twitter.com/058aZDj2t6

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 7, 2026

Knueppel has been a stud for the Hornets all season long. With 78 games under his belt so far this season, the club’s No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is averaging 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. He is also shooting 48.1% from the field while hitting 43.0% of his three-point attempts.

Even more impressive, Kon Knueppel has already broken the Hornets’ franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single season. He surpassed Kemba Walker’s 260 three-pointers made during Charlotte’s 127-107 win over the Phoenix Suns on April 2.

For comparison’s sake, Cooper Flagg is also having a stellar first year in the NBA. Flagg is giving his former Duke Blue Devils teammate a run for his money for the ROY, averaging 21.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and 29.7% from beyond the three-point line. He’s hit those numbers through 66 games played so far.

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