Cooper Flagg edges Kon Knueppel in close NBA Rookie of the Year race

Key Points:

• Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg has been named NBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the third player in franchise history to earn the honor, joining Jason Kidd and Luka Dončić.
• Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks this season, becoming the first rookie since Michael Jordan to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
• Flagg narrowly edged out Duke teammate and Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel, who set a rookie record with 273 three-pointers made and helped lead the Hornets to a winning record.
• The award race was highly competitive, with Flagg's role as the Mavericks' primary offensive player contrasted against Knueppel's role as a secondary creator alongside LaMelo Ball.
• Despite a strong finish to the season by Flagg and the Hornets' early postseason exit, Flagg secured the award with 56 first-place votes to Knueppel's 44, highlighting their close and respectful rivalry.