If pre-season projections are a sign of things to come, then Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is going to run away with the Rookie of the Year award. A generational prospect, Flagg is the heavy favorite for the honor, thus resulting in many believing that a player such as Charlotte Hornets wing Kon Knueppel should be eyeing All-Rookie honors instead.
During ESPN's recent offseason survey, however, an anonymous coach expressed a relatively shocking belief that Knueppel could upset Flagg and win the award instead.
Charlotte selected Knueppel at No. 4 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. It was a somewhat surprising move, with many expecting the Duke Blue Devils star to go a bit further down the board, but many have praised it as a wise selection.