Kia Rookie Ladder: Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg Secure Top Positions

In the latest NBA updates, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets and Cooper Flagg from the Dallas Mavericks have made history. They are the first college teammates to be recognized as the top rookies in the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively, for the October/November period. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the 24-year history of the seasonal awards.

Kia Rookie Ladder: Current Rankings

As of December 2025, Knueppel stands at the top of the Kia Rookie Ladder with impressive averages of 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Following closely is Flagg, who averages 17.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Both have been consistent performers since the start of the season.

Weekly Highlights and Performances

• Kon Knueppel: Recently engaged in media appearances, including a notable segment on “The Tonight Show,” where he showcased a personalized Hornets jersey.
• Cooper Flagg: Demonstrated his skills with a notable performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists in a close game.
• Hugo González: The 28th overall pick, has proven his defensive capabilities against top scorers, particularly in matchups against the New York Knicks.

Additional Rookie Standouts

Beyond the top two rookies, other noteworthy names include:

• Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans): Averaging 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, he remains a key contributor despite team struggles.
• Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies): Known for his defensive efforts, Coward averages 13.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
• Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans): Recently scored 21 points in a game, improving his overall performance after earlier challenges.

Upcoming Prospects

Dylan Harper, the Spurs’ guard, is expected to make a notable return and regain his position among the rookies after recovering from an injury. His scoring productivity has seen improvement, contributing positively to his team’s offensive strategy.

Conclusion

The season continues to highlight the emerging talents of the NBA’s rookie class. As Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg maintain their positions at the top of the Kia Rookie Ladder, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these young athletes develop throughout the season.