Flagg, Knueppel, Edgecombe Named NBA Rookie of the Year Finalists

Why it matters locally: Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, one of the finalists for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, plays for North Carolina's NBA team.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe earned selections as finalists for the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year award. The NBA announced the finalists on Sunday. Flagg appeared in 70 games, averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals. He shot 46.8% from the field. Flagg led all rookies in scoring average and recorded 11 games with 30 or more points, the most by a first-year player since Victor Wembanyama in the 2023-24 season. Knueppel played 81 games, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He achieved a 42.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Knueppel led the league with 273 three-pointers, marking the first time a rookie accomplished this feat. He was one of two first-year players to register five or more 30-point games. Edgecombe played 75 games for the 76ers, posting averages of 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals. He shot 35.4% on three-point attempts. Edgecombe led the NBA in loose balls recovered with 79 and ranked third in scoring among rookies. A global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters cast votes to determine the finalists. Ballots were submitted by Friday at 3 p.m. EDT. The NBA will announce the winner during the playoffs.