Kon Knueppel Now Odds Favorite to Win NBA Rookie of the Year Award

With several weeks remaining in the NBA season, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets has already broken the record for 3-point shots made by a rookie.

Given the rampant trend in the NBA for 3-point attempts, that may not be that surprising. But, most important for those who regularly log on to basketball betting apps, Knueppel has now become the favorite to win the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

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Odds to win Wilt Chamberlain NBA Rookie of the Year Award

These odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook:

• Kon Knueppel to Win Rookie of the Year Award: -125
• Cooper Flagg to Win Rookie of the Year Award: -105
• VJ Edgecombe to Win Rookie of the Year Award: +10000

Edgecombe is listed to simply show how ridiculous it is that anyone other than Knueppel or Flagg will win the 2026 NBA ROTY.

Whether you back Flagg or Knueppel to win the award, you'll have to wager MORE than $100 to win $100. Currently, Flagg is essentially even money to win the honor.

For example, a winning bet on Knueppel would require $125 to win $100. You would receive your stake, as well.

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Will Knueppel Hold off Flagg for Rookie Award?

Even though Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks has grabbed more headlines all season, and seems to be a more versatile performer, the ROTY award may end up with Knueppel. That's how amazing his long-range shooting has been. Knueppel is shooting 44.2% from beyond the arc.

The best ability is availability. That fact is important in the ROTY race. Currently, as of late February, Flagg is on the sideline, nursing a foot injury. I don't have to tell you that every basketball player has two feet, and if 50% of those feet are hurt, it makes it difficult to play the game. That's just science, people.

Cooper Flagg's availability could allow Knueppel to take hold of the race

A return date for Flagg is unknown. The longer he sits, the more Knueppel can distance himself in the rookie race.

Also in the mix is the NBA's eligibility rule. The league requires a player to appear in a minimum of 65 games (out of 82) to win an award. Flagg has played 49 games (out of 58 for the Mavs). If he were to miss nine more games along the way, he would not be eligible to win the ROTY award.

Pay attention to the injury reports as you plan your ROTY betting strategy. But be mindful: if Flagg gets close to the 65-game requirement, it's likely the Mavericks will make sure their rookie star gets on the court to qualify.

But even if Flagg plays the minimum required games, he may not fend off Knueppel. As of Feb. 27, here's the stats of the two rookies:

If Knueppel slides in front of Flagg to capture the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, he will become the fourth Charlotte player to win the honor. The others are Larry Johnson, Emeka Okafor, and LaMelo Ball.