The Finalists: A Three-Player Race

The NBA revealed the finalists for all major awards earlier today, confirming the three rookies who separated themselves during the regular season. Here’s a breakdown of each candidate’s case:

Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)

Knueppel, the 19-year-old sharpshooter from Duke, has been the most consistent performer among this year’s rookie class. Averaging 14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 41.5% from three-point range, he led all rookies in scoring and three-pointers made (176). His clutch performances—including a 28-point outburst against the Boston Celtics in March—solidified his status as the frontrunner. Knueppel’s ability to space the floor and contribute immediately made him a key piece for a Hornets team that improved its win total by 12 games from last season.

Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg entered the league with sky-high expectations—and he hasn’t disappointed. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, showcasing the versatility that made him a generational prospect. Flagg’s defensive impact (1.8 steals per game) and playmaking (3.5 assists per game) have drawn comparisons to former Rookie of the Year winners like Grant Hill and Luka Dončić. His late-season surge, including a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double against the Phoenix Suns, has made him the sentimental favorite for many analysts.

VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)

Edgecombe, the youngest of the three finalists at 18 years old, burst onto the scene as a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Averaging 12.3 points and 4.5 assists per game, he provided an immediate spark for a 76ers team that relied on his creativity off the bench. His 40-point explosion against the Miami Heat in January—still the highest-scoring game by a rookie this season—proved he could capture over games in an instant. While his efficiency (40.2% FG) lagged behind Knueppel and Flagg, Edgecombe’s potential and highlight-reel plays have kept him in the conversation.

Notably, What we have is the first time since 2020 that no international player has been named a finalist for the award. The last international winner was Victor Wembanyama (France) in 2023-24, who became the sixth unanimous Rookie of the Year in league history.

How the Voting Works

The Rookie of the Year is determined by a panel of 100 sports journalists from the U.S. And Canada, who submit ballots ranking their top three choices. First-place votes are worth five points, second-place votes three points, and third-place votes one point. The player with the highest point total wins, regardless of the number of first-place votes. This system has occasionally produced ties, most recently in 1999-2000 when Elton Brand and Steve Francis shared the award.

Knueppel’s lead in the final Kia Rookie Ladder suggests he enters tonight’s announcement as the favorite, but Flagg’s late push and Edgecombe’s flashy play have made the race competitive. The last time a Hornets player won the award was in 2014-15, when Frank Kaminsky took home the honors.

Historical Context: What Winning Rookie of the Year Means

Winning Rookie of the Year is often a predictor of long-term success in the NBA. Of the 72 players who have won the award since its inception in 1952-53, 30 have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Six winners—Wilt Chamberlain, Wes Unseld, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, David Robinson, and LeBron James—also claimed the MVP award in the same season, a testament to the rarity of such dominance.

Recent winners have followed divergent paths. Last year’s recipient, Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), averaged 12.7 points and 5.1 assists per game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Meanwhile, 2023-24 winner Victor Wembanyama became the first rookie to lead the league in blocks per game (3.6) since Manute Bol in 1985-86, setting the stage for a potential Hall of Fame career.

For this year’s finalists, the award could serve as a springboard. Knueppel’s shooting stroke and Flagg’s two-way impact suggest they could develop into All-Star-level players, while Edgecombe’s scoring ability could build him a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in the near future.

What’s Next for the Finalists

Tonight’s announcement will cap a whirlwind season for the three rookies, but their work is far from over. The Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and Philadelphia 76ers are all eyeing playoff runs, and each team will rely on its rookie to contribute in different ways:

• Charlotte Hornets: With Knueppel as their primary perimeter threat, the Hornets will appear to build on their 38-win season and secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2016. His ability to stretch defenses will be critical in late-game situations.
• Dallas Mavericks: Flagg’s development alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving could determine whether the Mavericks make a deep playoff push. His defensive versatility will be key in matchups against elite wings like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.
• Philadelphia 76ers: Edgecombe’s role as a microwave scorer off the bench could be the difference in tight playoff games. If he can improve his efficiency, he could emerge as a leading candidate for Sixth Man of the Year next season.

The winner will join an exclusive club of players who have left an immediate mark on the league. Whether it’s Knueppel’s shooting, Flagg’s all-around game, or Edgecombe’s explosiveness, tonight’s announcement will celebrate the next generation of NBA talent.

Key Takeaways

• Three finalists: Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets), Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), and VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers) are the candidates for the 2025-26 Kia Rookie of the Year award.
• Knueppel leads the race: The Hornets guard is the frontrunner after averaging 14.8 points per game and leading all rookies in three-pointers made.
• Flagg’s two-way impact: The No. 1 overall pick has drawn comparisons to Luka Dončić for his playmaking and defensive versatility.
• Edgecombe’s scoring bursts: The 76ers guard’s 40-point game against the Heat remains the highest-scoring performance by a rookie this season.
• Historical significance: The award has been renamed in honor of Wilt Chamberlain, who remains the only player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.
• Tonight’s announcement: The winner will be revealed at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN.

How to Watch

The Kia Rookie of the Year announcement will air live tonight at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN. Fans can also follow live updates on the NBA’s official social media channels, including Twitter and Instagram.

For those tuning in, here’s what to expect:

• A recap of the top rookie performances from the 2025-26 season, including highlights from Knueppel, Flagg, and Edgecombe.
• Interviews with the finalists and their coaches, discussing their rookie campaigns and future goals.
• A look back at the history of the award, including past winners and their career trajectories.

FAQ

Who votes for the NBA Rookie of the Year?

The award is determined by a panel of 100 sports journalists from the U.S. And Canada, who submit ballots ranking their top three choices. First-place votes are worth five points, second-place votes three points, and third-place votes one point.

Has there ever been a tie for Rookie of the Year?

Yes, there have been three ties in the award’s history: Dave Cowens and Geoff Petrie in 1970-71, Grant Hill and Jason Kidd in 1994-95, and Elton Brand and Steve Francis in 1999-2000.

Who was the last unanimous Rookie of the Year?

Victor Wembanyama (2023-24) was the most recent unanimous winner, joining Ralph Sampson, David Robinson, Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, and Karl-Anthony Towns as the only players to sweep the vote.

What happens if a player wins Rookie of the Year but gets injured the next season?

Winning the award does not guarantee future success, but it often signals a player’s potential. For example, Blake Griffin won Rookie of the Year in 2010-11 but missed the following season due to injury before returning to become a six-time All-Star.

Can a player win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season?

Yes, but it’s extremely rare. Only two players have accomplished the feat: Wilt Chamberlain (1959-60) and Wes Unseld (1968-69).