Eastern Notes: Flagg’s Injury Opens Door for Knueppel in Rookie Race
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Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg looked like a runaway choice for Rookie of the Year after pouring in 49 points against Charlotte on January 29, but the conversation has shifted ahead of the teams’ rematch on Tuesday. A foot injury has sidelined Flagg for a prolonged stretch, and the Hornets have gone 15-3 during that span, boosting former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel’s candidacy, according to Charlotte head coach Charles Lee.
“I don’t even think it’s close,” Lee said about the award chase, noting that Knueppel prefers to keep the focus on team success.
While Flagg holds slight edges in scoring (20.4 ppg to 19.2), rebounding (6.6 rpg to 5.5) and assists (4.1 apg to 3.5), Knueppel’s efficiency is superior. The rookie wing owns a 61.6% effective field-goal rate, compared with Flagg’s 51.5%. He has also played more games (61 to 49), and his 43.5% three-point accuracy has produced an NBA-best 212 made threes—15 more than second-place Tyrese Maxey.
McCain’s Success Rekindles Trade Questions
With guard Jared McCain flourishing in Oklahoma City, both Jake Fischer of The Stein Line and Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports revisited Philadelphia’s deadline decision to move the second-year guard. Team president Daryl Morey framed the deal as “selling high,” a comment McCain said he understands, adding he remains confident in his own abilities.
Edgecombe Sidelined by Back Contusion
Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe exited Tuesday’s game early with a back injury and underwent an MRI that revealed a lumbar contusion, the club announced. He will miss Wednesday’s matchup with Utah and will be reevaluated before Saturday’s game in Atlanta.
Carter’s Veteran Voice Resonates in Orlando
Newly signed Magic point guard Jevon Carter is already influencing 24-year-old Jalen Suggs. Suggs told the Orlando Sentinel that Carter’s direct feedback—“raw, uncut comms”—has been valuable and that he appreciates the veteran’s accountability.
Source: Hoops Rumors
