Entering the All-Star break, the Rookie of the Year race remains a toss-up between Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg. For many reasons, the Charlotte Hornets up-and-comer should be in pole position. The latest update on Flagg could also help Knueppel widen his lead.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks star was recently revealed to have sustained a left midfoot sprain. The injury caused him to sit out his team’s loss on Thursday. Also, he is set to miss the Rising Stars game during the All-Star weekend.
Flagg is reportedly not expected to spend long in street clothes. However, foot sprains are a bit tricky to manage. And it’s not like the Mavs are expected to suddenly turn into contenders, especially after shipping out Anthony Davis and other veterans in exchange for draft capital and financial flexibility.
So, there’s little reason for Dallas to rush Flagg’s return other than to give him more opportunities to develop his game. But if the risk of aggravating his ailment is too high, it’s better for him and the franchise that he take all the time he needs to recover.
Kon Knueppel’s climb to the top
Many Hornets fans will agree that Knueppel has to be the frontrunner for the award. Sure, Flagg has the better counting stats, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per contest. Bear in mind, though, that the forward has done it while playing a high-usage game.
On the other hand, Knueppel has recorded 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per match despite suiting up alongside several productive teammates. He has also continued to break 3-point records while defying or exceeding expectations that some folks had set for him before he even set foot on an NBA court. Furthermore, some advanced stats, such as those that measure efficiency, favor him in the race.
What Knueppel should have going for him when the voting panel has to put in their ballots is that he could very well be a valuable part of a postseason contender. He could even receive some swing votes if the Hornets manage to nab a top-six seed in the East to skip the play-in tournament. They have a steep hill to climb to achieve that outcome. However, it’s not entirely impossible, as they have won 10 of their past 11 contests and have proven capable of defeating the best teams in the league.
So, all things considered, Knueppel should have the upper hand in the race, regardless of whether Flagg has to miss more time.