Mavs' Cooper Flagg, Hornets' Kon Knueppel named Rookies of the Month

For the third straight time, Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg and Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel have been named the Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month in the NBA.

Flagg averaged 20.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 47.8% from the field in 12 appearances in January. He registered two 30-point outings, leading all first-year players in scoring and rebounding average.

The No. 1 overall pick on Jan. 29 produced a career-high 49 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to the Hornets, the most by a teenager in history (19 years, 39 days). He also set the Mavericks rookie scoring record, topping the previous mark of 42 that he shared with Mark Aguirre.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg and Charlotte Hornets guard-forward Kon Knueppel have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in January. pic.twitter.com/M5N6Hej0EY— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 3, 2026

Knueppel finished the month by averaging 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 41.7% shooting from 3-point range in 17 games. He led the rookie class in total points (302), field goals (105), 3-pointers (45) and free throws (47).

The fourth overall pick dropped a career-high 34 points against the Mavericks, setting the franchise single-game rookie record for 3-pointers (8). He and Flagg combined for 83 total points, the most by two opposing rookies in the same game in over 50 years.

Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey, Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward and Portland Trail Blazers guard Caleb Love were among the nominees from the Western Conference. Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Dëmin and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe were nominated in the East.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: NBA: Mavs' Flagg, Hornets' Knueppel named January Rookies of the Month