Kon Knueppel has taken a clear lead over Cooper Flagg in the NBA Rookie of the Year race, according to a straw poll conducted by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
Knueppel received 80 first-place votes, compared to 20 for the Mavericks’ top pick.
Flagg entered the season as the heavy favorite and has largely delivered on expectations, but Knueppel’s standout campaign has helped push the Hornets into play-in contention.
He is averaging 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 43.1 percent from three on 8.0 attempts per game.
VJ Edgecombe of the 76ers sits in third place in the poll.
Rookie of the Year Straw Poll
- Kon Knueppel (80 first place, 19 second place, 1 third place)
- Cooper Flagg (20 first place, 79 second place, 1 third place)
- VJ Edgecombe (2 second place, 92 third place)
- Dylan Harper (5 third place)
- Derik Queen (1 third place)
Kon Knueppel Leads NBA Rookie Of The Year Straw Poll Over Cooper Flagg https://t.co/vFBYYeed9c
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 3, 2026
