The Rookie of the Year race remains wide open with the finish line approaching.

Cooper Flagg put up strong numbers for the Dallas Mavericks all season, posting 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He ran the offense for stretches and anchored the defense when Dallas needed it most.

Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel didn’t pile up stats at that level, but his contributions carried a different weight. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while breaking the rookie record for made three-pointers.

VJ Edgecombe and Dylan Harper both turned in solid rookie campaigns, but the conversation now centers on two former Duke teammates battling for the trophy.

Kon Knueppel claims Sporting News’ Rookie Of The Year

While the NBA prepares to announce its official Rookie of the Year winner, Kon Knueppel already claimed one major honor. The Sporting News named him its Rookie of the Year, giving him recognition ahead of Flagg.