Kia Rookie Ladder: Cooper Flagg Takes the Top Spot
The baton finally gets passed this week, with Dallas’ Cooper Flagg slipping into the lead over Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel atop the Kia Rookie Ladder.
Knueppel had held the No. 1 rung from the start this season by virtue of his fast and surprising start as a Hornets sharpshooter. But Flagg’s early search for traction, owing to the Mavericks’ use of the rookie as a stop-gap point guard in Kyrie irving’s injury absence, is over.
The valedictorian of the Class of 2025,by virtue of his No. 1 selection, is easing some of the Luka Dončić angst with his all-around play. He’s not just matching and setting NBA marks for 18-year-olds – he turns 19 on Dec. 21 – he’s carrying the Mavericks on many nights as his usage increases along with his impact.
For the record, though, Flagg on Saturday vs. Houston broke his tie with LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, posting his third game at age 18 with at least 15 points, two steals and two blocked shots. Flagg averaged 17.3 points and 6.3 rebounds this week, to Knueppel’s 18 points and 5.5 boards. Both are averaging 3.3 assists.
The baton possibly will go back and forth between the former Duke teammates, assuming Flagg’s sore right thumb can hold up. He has been playing through the injury since mid-November, but his scoring (19.5 ppg) and shooting (52%) have gone up in that time.
Here is the latest ranking of the NBA’s top rookies:
Weekly recap
• In case you haven’t been paying attention, the reports from last year about the Class of 2025’s depth are proving to be true. The Ladder this season is deep, not top-heavy. “It has tremendous depth and guys who are stepping into the moment, making the most of their opportunities,” New Orleans coach James Borrego said earlier this week. “these [players] don’t look like rookies to me. These are guys having major impact in clutch moments.”
• San Antonio’s De’Aaron Fox was asked about this crop of rookies flexing a lot of domestic talent, too. “It’s great that a lot of them are American, that’s for sure,” Fox said. Of the rookies generally, Fox added: “A lot of them are obviously getting playing time. Once you start getting pleasant in this league, that’s when you elevate your game.”
• Knueppel’s spotlight has gotten his brothers some notice too, for more than their excitement over the Hornets team dinner their parents hosted when Charlotte played its first game this season in their hometown of Milwaukee. Kager and Kinston team these days at Wisconsin lutheran High,while younger siblings Kash and Kid play at St. John’s Lutheran grade school.
Storyline to watch
• Maxime Raynaud’s progress in Sacramento.
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Rookie Power Rankings: NBA’s Rising Stars
Welcome to the latest edition of our rookie power rankings. We’re tracking the progress of the NBA’s newest players, highlighting those who are making an immediate impact and those who are steadily climbing the ranks. Here’s how things stand as of December 10, 2024.
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Season stats: 20.3 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 3.2 bpg
Last Ladder: No. 1
Draft pick: No. 1
Wembanyama remains firmly at the top. His unique skillset continues to amaze, and he’s consistently delivering on both ends of the court. The Spurs are building around him, and he’s responding with performances that justify the hype. He’s not just a highlight reel; he’s a legitimate two-way force.
2.Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Season stats: 17.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.6 bpg
Last Ladder: No. 2
Draft pick: No. 2
Holmgren is proving to be the perfect complement to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His rim protection and offensive versatility are crucial to the Thunder’s success. He’s a mature player who understands his role and executes it flawlessly. he’s quickly becoming a cornerstone of a contending team.
3. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Season stats: 16.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 apg
Last Ladder: No. 4
Draft pick: No.2
Miller’s scoring continues to impress. He’s finding his rhythm and becoming a reliable offensive threat for the Hornets. His ability to create his own shot is particularly noteworthy. He’s showing the potential to be a primary scorer in the league.
4. Ja’Kobe Walter, Memphis grizzlies
Season stats: 14.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg,1.9 apg
Last Ladder: No. 5
Draft pick: No. 19
Walter is making a meaningful impact for the Grizzlies. He went 10-of-18 in Memphis’ 107-98 victory, and even sought out a moment with a player to whom he’s been compared. As for helping the Grizzlies emotionally through their patchy season, he said: “If it is indeed calming us down, if it is getting us riled up, I’m ther to do really whatever.”
5.Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans
Season stats: 15.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg,3.1 apg
Last ladder: No. 3
Draft pick: no. 7
No sooner had the Ladder praised Fears’ shooting than the Pelicans’ rookie hit 34.1% for the week, including a combined 6-for-24 at Brooklyn and against San Antonio. But coach James borrego has been tapping into Fears’ greatest asset, his speed, in trying to boost his team’s pace. In their first 12 games under willie green, the Pels ranked 26th (99.55) in pace but are 4th (102.47) since borrego took over.”Our pace is set by him.He is a one-man fast break,” Borrego said. “Even after a make, he can get coast to coast – did it once after a free throw.”
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