'If He Doesn't Win, He Got Robbed': Jeff Teague Names His Clear Rookie of the Year

The 2025/26 NBA season has had something for every fan, and with some surprise teams, incredible performances and very tight post-season races, there's still plenty to come over the next few months. One of the most exciting parts of the season has been their rookie class, and while many expected Cooper Flagg to run away with the Rookie of the Year award, that hasn't been the case.

The top contender to take it away from him is Charlotte Hornets sharp shooter Kon Knueppel, who has put together an incredible rookie campaign. In the first 58 games of his career, Knueppel is averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game, and with 201 threes thus far, he's just six away from breaking the all-time rookie record in a single season.

Flagg has been downright dominant as well for Dallas, but according to former NBA guard turned podcaster Jeff Teague, if Knueppel doesn't win, he has been robbed.

“If he’s not rookie of the year… he got robbed. They actually winning games, he averaging 20 points."

With a red-hot run as of late, the Hornets are now sitting at 28-31 on the season, and given that Dallas are 21-36, it's safe to say that if winning plays a part, the edge will definitely go to Knueppel.

Ultimately, both players are worthy of the award, and while in any other year, Flagg would be a fantastic winner of the award, if it is given to the No. 1 pick, it's hard to argue with Teague's assessment.