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DALLAS, 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. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Respected head coach Jason Kidd went out of his way to argue for Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg over Kon Knueppel as the Rookie of the Year. However, Kidd claimed that Knueppel “just shoots threes” when talking about his young’s star main competition for the award. Both Flagg and Knueppel had stellar dream seasons with arguments in their favor for being the top rookie.

However, Kidd said the following on the Road Trippin’ Podcast:

“I don’t have to make a case. He’s done the hard work and put up the numbers. The only thing we haven’t done is win as a team. I think, when you look at his numbers, he’s had a historic season. Nothing against Knueppel, he’s a piece of the puzzle for the Hornets. But Cooper is the puzzle.

I truly believe that he deserves rookie of the year, that’s not throwing shade at Knueppel, he’s had a great year too. But just the things, the stats, the names he is attached to. It’s a little bit bigger than just shooting threes.”

The overall comment isn’t that unfair since Flagg does a lot more than Knueppel, but Kidd’s final sentence from that quote told the story. Disrespect was shown by Kidd claiming that Knueppel is just a three-point shooter compared to Flagg being an all-around star.

Why Jason Kidd Was Unfair To Kon Knueppel

Coaches arguing for their players is always welcomed, but Kidd stood out for being critical of another great player with his comment. The belief that Knueppel is just a good three-point shooter and not a strong all-around player is just wrong.

Knueppel’s play made a huge difference for the Charlotte Hornets to have their best seasons in many years and turn things around from a bad start. Charlotte does not have a successful season and dominant second half without Knueppel on the roster.

One could easily argue that Knueppel contributed more to winning than Flagg did, but that would be unfair to Cooper due to the Mavericks not giving him much help. Kidd tried to create a narrative against Knueppel’s overall play by the little shot defining him as a mere three-point shooter.

Who Will Win Rookie of the Year?

The most fascinating thing about Kidd’s comment slighting Knueppel is that he didn’t need to make it. Flagg is currently the stronger favorite to win the award with -175 betting odds compared to Knueppel’s +135 odds. Changes over the past few weeks have seen Flagg becoming the clear favorite.

Flagg’s averages of 25.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game over the past 15 games showed much he stepped up. The Rookie of the Year Award is an obvious driving force by Flagg playing his best basketball to win over voters.

Kidd is not wrong that Flagg is the better all-around player deserving of the award, but he didn’t need to define Knueppel as a limited player. Both future All-Stars had great seasons, and Flagg appears likely to be named Rookie of the Year unless voters shock the basketball world.

Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford

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