Just in his first NBA season, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets already looks like the type of player who will have a long career in the league.
Whether it’s his three-point shooting, size, consistency, or early impact on winning with the Hornets, Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is currently the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award this season.
Additionally, while Knueppel is breaking three-point records and looking like the best rookie in the league, over former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg, Charlotte’s first-year wing was recently the subject of a bold take from an ex-NBA champion.
Jeff Teague: Kon Knueppel Best White American NBA Player
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 03: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Former NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, Jeff Teague, recently said on his show, Club 520 Podcast, that he believes Knueppel is the best white American player in the NBA.
He claimed that Knueppel gets the nod over both Flagg and Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves.
“(Kon Knueppel) is arguably the best White American Basketball player in the league,” Teague said. “And I would probably take him over Austin Reaves. Cooper Flagg is good, but he’s not like this. He’s not efficient like (Knueppel).”
Teague went on to praise Knueppel for his shooting efficiency, while also saying that if he was in Flagg’s spot on the Mavericks, Dallas would be higher up in the standings.
While Knueppel’s early career prowess is hard to argue, the same is true for Reaves and Flagg, despite the Lakers’ second option further into his NBA tenure.
Still, thought Knueppel is playing well and leading Rookie of the Year odds, Teague ranking him over Reaves is a ‘hot take’ to say the least.
The argument for Reaves can be found here, as the Lakers’ shooting guard is having the best season of his career, in line for a massive contract extension, and ranking ahead of the other two both in overall counting statistics and NBA rankings lists.
Kon Knueppel vs Cooper Flagg Rookie Of The Year Race
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets talk after the game at American Airlines Center on January 29, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
While the argument of who is the best white American NBA player is one issue, the Rookie of the Year race is another, as Knueppel and Flagg have been battling for the award for most of the year.
The Mavericks’ rookie was leading the ROY odds to start the year, but after Knueppel and the Hornets’ hot streak, as well as Flagg’s foot injury, which caused him to miss a few weeks, the first-year Charlotte wing is now the favorite for the award.
Kon Knueppel stats: 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.7 steals on 48.9/43.5/86.3 shooting splits in 72 games.
Cooper Flagg stats: 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.1 steals on 47.3/28.7/81.1 shooting splits in 61 games.
While Flagg leads in most statistical categories, Knueppel has been more efficient and consistent, especially shooting the ball.
According to Zach Kram of ESPN, while Flagg’s numbers might look better on paper, what Knueppel has been doing this season ranks ahead of other NBA All-Stars and superstars.
“Knueppel stands out even when compared to the entire league, not just rookies. He’s 11th overall in offensive net points; the two players directly ahead of him are Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson, and the two players directly behind him are Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey,” he wrote.
Knueppel has broken multiple three-point records this season, most recently becoming the youngest player to reach the 250 three-pointers made mark.
“Simply put, Knueppel has been one of the best players in the NBA this season. He’s leading the league in total 3-point makes,” Kram added. “And he’s a major contributor to a surprisingly winning team.”
The Hornets are 39-34 while the Mavericks are 23-50. But while team success is usually a strong indicator of who will win any given regular-season award, Flagg has had a much greater responsibility on his team, compared to Knueppel being the third-option behind Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball.
Regardless, the Rookie of the Year is Knueppel’s to lose, as he currently has -255 odds according to DraftKings and he is setting himself up for a long and successful NBA career.
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