Kia rookie ranking: Cooper Flagg wrestles back Kon Knueppel for the top spot

As the 2025–26 NBA season crosses the 50-game mark, the race for the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy has intensified into a statistical battle with rookies putting on historical performances on the court. According to the latest Kia Rookie Ladder, Dallas Mavericks sensational rookie Cooper Flagg has reclaimed the No. 1 position, surpassing his former Duke college teammate Kon Knueppel. The shift has come after Flagg broke records for the most points in a game by a teenager. Here’s a look at the top five rookies who are making waves this season.

1. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Maverick

Cooper Flagg’s jump back to the top position from last week’s 2nd place after putting up some consecutive 30+ point games. He is currently averaging 20.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.2 apg and 1.2 steals while shooting at a 48.4% efficiency from the floor and 80.6% from the free throw. The 19-year old dropped his career-highest of 49 against the Hornets and then a recent 36 points on 12-for-24 shooting against the Boston Celtics last Tuesday.

2. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets

Despite the drop to second from last week’s first place, Kon Knueppel remains on a historic trajectory with the Hornets. He is currently averaging 19.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 asists. His shhoting efficiency from the field is 48.6% and from beyond the arc is 42.8%.

In just 52 games this season, the Hornets rookie has attempted 407 three-points converting 174 of those while NBA’s sharpest shooter Stephen Curry only made 166 in his rookie year. Knueppel is all set to make the list of the greatest shooters in the NBA if he continues with the same pace and focus.

3. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers

VJ remains at 3 this week too with no change in ranking. With his average of 15.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, while shooting 42.8% from the floor in 48 games,VJ Edgecombe In Philadelphia, has become indispensable following Paul George’s 25-game suspension. Edgecombe currently leads all rookies in total steals with 74 and in minutes played with 1,702. His defensive versatility has kept the 76ers at 6th in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt with a 30-22 record.

4. Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

Derick Queen jumps from last week’s 5th place to 4th. A boost that came after Queen became one of the only three players in the last 50 years to record 600 points, 350 rebounds, and 200 assists within their first 50 career games. This feat, previously achieved only by Larry Bird and Ben Simmons, highlights Queen's unique role as a high-post playmaker.

Derrick is currently averaging 12.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting at an efficiency of 49.0% from the floor for Pelicans. Despite the franchise’s struggling season with a 14-40 record, Queen’s individual brilliance on the court is hard to miss.

5. Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies

Rounding out the top five is Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward, who continues to anchor the Grizzlies' rotation. Coward has averaged 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 47 matches this season while shooting 46.8% from the field and 34.1% from beyond the arc. In his 10 games, Coward has made sure to score points in double figures (11.8). In Grizzlies 20-31 run in the West, Cedric Coward, with his scoring and rebounding abilities, is proving to be a reliable option for the franchise.




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