Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel highlight first-team All-Rookie squad
Jan 29, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots as Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, the NBA Rookie of the Year and No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft, highlighted the Kia NBA All-Rookie first team, which was announced Wednesday night after voting from a panel of 100 global media members.
Flagg was joined by Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward.
Flagg, Knueppel and Edgecombe were all unanimous first-team selections, while Harper made 93 first-team ballots and Coward made 29 with 67 second-team ballot appearances.
Flagg narrowly edged Knueppel to be named the Rookie of the Year, receiving 56 first-place votes to Knueppel's 44.
New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen, Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud, Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears, Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey and Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles comprised the All-Rookie second team.
Flagg, Knueppel and Edgecombe were the top three rookie scorers at 21.0, 18.5 and 16.0 points per game, respectively. Flagg was also second in assists (4.5) while Edgecombe (4.2) was fourth. Knueppel became the first rookie in NBA history to lead the league in made 3-pointers (273).
Harper averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in the regular season for the Spurs. He's averaging 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 steals through 12 postseason games (one start).
Coward averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the Grizzlies. While the other four first-team rookies were the top four picks in the 2025 Draft, Coward was taken 11th overall out of Washington State.
--Field Level Media
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