The race for the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year might already be down to just two players – Cooper Flagg and Con Knuppel – given their outstanding performances, though it’s still early to make a definitive judgment. While other rookies like VJ Edgecombe and Dylan Harper have shown promise, these two seem to be leading the pack.
Here’s a look at the top five rookies after two months of the NBA season:
5. Cedric Coward (Grizzlies)
Coward has secured a starting role and is seeing more offensive action. Recently, he posted a double-double in a win over the Clippers, showcasing strong inside scoring despite a drop in three-point accuracy. His ability to navigate through defenses, especially against a struggling Clippers team, highlights his rookie savvy.
4. Jeremiah Fiers (Pelicans)
Fiers’ three-point shooting has improved dramatically, jumping from 31.7% to 42% on a modest number of attempts. His threat from beyond the arc complements his aggressive driving, making him a versatile offensive player capable of exploiting defensive adjustments with quick moves.
3. Derrick Queen (Pelicans)
Despite the Pelicans facing criticism for trading a 2026 first-round pick for Queen, his historic achievements, including a 30-point triple-double as a rookie center, justify the move. Queen’s scoring and exceptional court vision, especially his ability to make precise passes as a big man, suggest a bright future.
2. Con Knuppel (Hornets)
Knuppel has thrived alongside LaMelo Ball, playing significant minutes together with the Hornets’ offense performing notably better during that time. He’s efficient and on track to break the rookie three-point record, showing he can do more than spot-up shooting by excelling in midrange and driving plays. The Hornets likely will develop him with more ball-handling duties.
1. Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
Praised by Kevin Durant for his all-around game, Flagg has impressed with his scoring, defense, and efficiency, shooting over 50% from the floor in many recent games. Though his three-point shooting is still developing, he has become the Mavericks’ primary defender and offensive threat in clutch moments, making him the front-runner for Rookie of the Year.
Fan Take: This early glimpse into the 2026 rookie class is thrilling for basketball fans as it showcases a new generation of talent poised to impact the league significantly. Flagg and Knuppel’s emergence could signal a shift toward more versatile, well-rounded players who can adapt quickly, promising exciting developments in the NBA’s future style of play.
