Kia Rookie Ladder: Kon Knueppel Holds Firm at No. 1 Spot
Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel continues to shine as he holds onto the top position in the Kia Rookie Ladder. Recently, he experienced a memorable moment during a visit to his hometown of Milwaukee, where the entire team was invited for dinner by his family. The 6-foot-7 player shared his excitement about the occasion and the surreal experience of having NBA teammates in his childhood home.
Kia Rookie Ladder Standings
As of November 2025, Knueppel has carved out a spot as the leading rookie. His impressive performance includes averages of 17.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He achieved this status for the second consecutive week after delivering strong performances in recent games. Alongside his teammates, he has embraced the challenges posed by the NBA season.
Key Rookie Performers
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets): 17.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, Draft pick: No. 4
- Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies): 14.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, Draft pick: No. 11
- Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks): 15.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.1 apg, Draft pick: No. 1
- Ryan Kalkbrenner (Charlotte Hornets): 9.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.2 bpg, Draft pick: No. 34
- VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers): 15.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.3 apg, Draft pick: No. 3
Emerging Storylines in the Rookie Ladder
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate exciting matchups as Knueppel and his Hornets are set to face off against Flagg’s Mavericks on January 29 and March 3. Additionally, with the season progressing, other notable rookies are vying for attention on the Ladder.
Noteworthy performances include Cedric Coward’s contributions despite team struggles, as he showcases significant impacts during home games. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg continues to grow comfortable in his role with the Mavericks, demonstrating his potential as a valuable player.
Rookies to Watch
The competition remains fierce, as several other rookies are establishing their presence in the league. With players like Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen making strides in their performance, the dynamic nature of the Rookie Ladder ensures that the landscape can change rapidly as the season unfolds.
Among the top prospects, younger players are under pressure to adapt to the professional level quickly. Knueppel’s journey exemplifies the exciting challenges and opportunities that await this year’s NBA rookies, reflecting their potential to shape the future of their respective teams.
