Jason Kidd campaigned hard for Cooper Flagg, winning the Rookie of the Year amid Kon Knueppel’s growing favoritism. It has been a neck-and-neck situation since Flagg found his feet in January. He’s been the clear-cut favorite for most part, but over the past few weeks, Knueppel has regained ground amid Charlotte’s resurgence and his contribution as their third-best player.
However, Kidd believes it’s not as close as many people think. He believes Flagg has separated himself after doing things that are unusual for a rookie. Here’s what the former player turned coach said on Friday after a reporter asked him about the Mavericks’ role in helping Flagg win Rookie of the Year (via Mavericks reporter Brad Townsend):
“Yeah, I think it’s a big priority that the organization pays attention to this. … This is a partnership, and Cooper has to be able to do his part and he’s doing his part. He’s having a historic year as a rookie. When you put his numbers up against past rookies who have won the award, it’s clear-cut that it’s not close that he is the one that will win Rookie of the Year.”
Jason Kidd namedropped Kon Knueppel, saying he doesn’t want to take anything away from the Hornets’ rookie. However, he accused voters of following the trend and popularity. Kidd added that Cooper Flagg’s numbers are as good as anyone’s, discarding voters’ opinions.
Kon Knueppel leads Cooper Flagg in Rookie of the Year odds
Kon Knueppel holds the advantage over Cooper Flagg to win Rookie of the Year. According to DraftKings Sportsbook’s latest odds, Knueppel is a -145 favorite. Knueppel’s contributions on a potential playoff contender as the key piece that turned it around have favored him heavily. Charlotte is 39-34, and can finish as high as fifth, making its first playoff appearance since 2015. Meanwhile, Flagg’s Mavericks are lottery-bound at 23-50.
Flagg marginally leads rookie scorers with 20.4 points per game in 61 appearances, while Knueppel, as a third option, is scoring 19.1 ppg. Flagg is tallying 6.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists, while Knueppel is at 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Knueppel is by far the more efficient of the duo, shooting 48.3% from the field, including 43.8% from 3 and 86.3% from the free throw line. Meanwhile, Flagg’s shooting at a 47/29/81 clip.
Among notable records, Knueppel is the first rookie to make 250 triples in a season. He’s also the youngest to do it. On the other hand, Flagg has the highest scoring game by a teenager after he dropped 49 against Knueppel’s Hornets. He holds records for most 20-point games by a teenager and has 10 games with at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists, more than all other rookies combined.
