At the midpoint of the 2025-26 NBA season, Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has claimed the No. 1 spot in ESPN’s midseason rookie rankings, published on January 22, 2026. His exceptional efficiency and three-point shooting have propelled him ahead of highly-touted peers like Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe, marking a significant development in the rookie race.
Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 draft, has been a standout for the Hornets, averaging 3.4 three-pointers per game on 43.5% shooting. His true shooting percentage of 64.5% is historically high for a rookie with a usage rate over 20%, placing him alongside legends like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan in their debut seasons. This efficiency is a key factor in his rise, as he benefits from the Hornets’ improved performance, with the team achieving a neutral point differential midway through the season.
Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks, the No. 1 overall pick, ranks second in the assessment. After a slow start while adjusting to point guard duties, Flagg has shown marked improvement, averaging 20.4 points and 4.5 assists on 50% shooting in recent games. His defensive prowess sets him apart as the best defender among rookies, and he remains a heavy favorite for Rookie of the Year in betting markets. However, inconsistencies in his jump shot, with a 28.6% three-point percentage, have kept him slightly behind Knueppel for now.
VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers holds the third position, praised for his defensive activity and improved three-point shooting at 37%. Despite some inefficiencies, such as low pick-and-roll productivity, Edgecombe’s role as a starter on a winning team adds to his value. Other notable rookies in the top five include Derik Queen of the New Orleans Pelicans, who shows flashes of brilliance but struggles with fit alongside Zion Williamson, and Cedric Coward of the Memphis Grizzlies, who has seen a slight decline after a hot start.
The rankings also feature rising players like Tre Johnson of the Washington Wizards, who has capitalized on increased playing time post-trade, and Egor Demin of the Brooklyn Nets, whose improved three-point shooting has enhanced his playmaking. Conversely, Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs faces concerns due to poor shooting percentages, which could impact his long-term ceiling despite his offensive skills.
This midseason evaluation comes as rookies face the grueling second half of the NBA season, with many experiencing the longest basketball campaign of their careers. The data underscores Knueppel’s standout performance, with his true shooting efficiency surpassing that of most All-Star starters and ranking among the league’s best guards. As the season progresses, the race for the top rookie spot is expected to remain competitive, with Flagg poised to challenge if he continues his upward trajectory.
In broader context, other reliable outlets like Yahoo Sports have highlighted midseason award candidates in recent days, reinforcing the significance of rookie performances this season. The consistent narrative across sources emphasizes Knueppel’s efficiency and Flagg’s all-around game, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the rookie race and potential award discussions.
