{"id":353197,"date":"2025-12-18T12:03:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T12:03:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/353197\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T12:03:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T12:03:15","slug":"cooper-flagg-grabs-top-spot-derik-queen-surges-in-nba-rookie-rankings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/353197\/","title":{"rendered":"Cooper Flagg grabs top spot, Derik Queen surges in NBA rookie rankings"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was as if Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, the two former Duke<\/a> teammates who have an early lead over the rest of the field in the race to be the 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year, were trying to outdo one another while playing in NBA games in different parts of the country earlier this week.<\/p>\n

First, it was Knueppel, who backed up a career-best 33-point performance<\/a> with 29 points in overtime on Dec. 14<\/a> to help the Charlotte Hornets<\/a> beat the team with the Eastern Conference’s best record a year ago. Then, about 24 hours later, Flagg became the first 18-year-old in NBA history<\/a> to score more than 40 points in a game as his rookie campaign with the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> reached new heights.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

After they won rookie of the month honors for their respective conferences together in November<\/a>, this was another indication that Flagg and Knueppel are poised to jockey for the top spot in USA TODAY’s<\/a> NBA rookie rankings the rest of the regular season. The battle to be No. 1 was part of another shake-up in this bi-weekly check-in with the league’s best rookies, with New Orleans Pelicans<\/a> center Derik Queen surging into the top-five and a couple Western Conference rookies from outside the first round of the 2025 NBA draft<\/a> who recently became starters for the first time.<\/p>\n

Here’s a breakdown of how all the rookies stack up now that the NBA Cup<\/a> is over and the 2025-26 season is approaching Christmas:<\/p>\n

NBA rookie rankings<\/p>\n

Stats as of games played on Dec. 16;\u00a0NBA Rookie of the Year odds as of 4 p.m. ET on Dec. 17, courtesy of\u00a0BetMGM<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

On the bubble: Will Richard<\/a>, Sion James<\/a>, Egor Demin<\/a>, Ace Bailey<\/a>, Danny Wolf<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: +50,000<\/p>\n

The No. 42 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft broke out for a career-best 25 points in his first career start for the Kings during a lopsided Dec. 3 loss to the Houston Rockets<\/a>. Raynaud then backed it up with a double-double in a 127-11 win on the road against the Miami Heat on Dec. 6<\/a> and remains in Sacramento’s starting lineup. The Stanford product is averaging 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds in December while shooting 58.5% from the field and 60% from 3-point range.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: +25,000<\/p>\n

The second-round pick returned to the Hornets’ starting lineup in recent games and continues to shoot nearly 80% from the field after coming away mostly unscathed from an ankle injury scare<\/a>. Kalkbrenner is averaging two blocks per game in December, splitting time at center with Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee.<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: N\/A<\/p>\n

The younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard is on a two-way contract with the Mavericks this season after going undrafted out of Gonzaga, but he might not be for long. Ryan Nembhard has made eight consecutive starts at point guard for Dallas after not appearing in 13 of the team’s first 18 games this season. He’s been a revelation after exploding to start December with a historic 28-point, 10-assist stat line<\/a> in a win over the Denver Nuggets. Nembhard notched his third double-double (14 points, 11 assists) in the Mavericks’ overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Dec. 15<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: +6600<\/p>\n

The No. 2 overall pick leads all rookies in offensive rating despite a 26.8% mark from 3-point range after making a successful return from an early-season injury. Harper had a team-best 21 points in the Spurs’ NBA Cup championship game loss to the New York Knicks<\/a>. It came eight days after the 6-foot-5 guard had 22 points and hit a game-winner with less than 10 seconds left<\/a> to help San Antonio beat the New Orleans Pelicans<\/a> on Dec. 8.<\/p>\n

1 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

The New York Knicks celebrate after winning the NBA Cup final at T-Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

1 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

The New York Knicks celebrate after winning the NBA Cup final at T-Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) dribbles the ball past San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

3 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama dunks the ball.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

4 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns reaches for a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

5 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

The San Antonio Spurs mascot reacts during the NBA Cup final against the New York Knicks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

6 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

Spike Lee watches the NBA Cup final at T-Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

7 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson reacts against the New York Knicks during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

8 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball over New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

9 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (13) dribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

10 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after making a three point basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 16, 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

11 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 16, 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

12 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) dribbles the ball against New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 16, 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

13 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

Dancers perform during a timeout in the first quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

14 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball while defended by Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

15 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) and New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prepare for the opening tip off during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 16, 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

16 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

An overall view of the court during the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 16, 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

17 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

Queen Naija performs the national anthem before the Emirates NBA Cup Championship game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

18 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

The Emirates NBA Cup logo at mid-court at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 16, 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

19 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

The Emirates NBA Cup logo on the net at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 16, 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

20 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

A general overall view of the T-Mobile Arena, the site of the Emirates NBA Cup Final between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

21 \/ 21<\/p>\n

Knicks defeat Spurs in NBA Cup final in Las Vegas<\/p>\n

The Emirates NBA Cup, New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs logos on the T-Mobile Arena video board in Las Vegas on Dec. 16, 2025.<\/p>\n

NBA CUP AFTERMATH: New York Knicks set sights on bigger – more elusive – prize<\/a><\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: +6600<\/p>\n

The No. 7 overall pick finally saw his streak of finishing in double figures end at 21-straight games when the Spurs eked out that win on Dec. 8, but Fears responded by scoring 19 and 20 points on nearly 60% shooting when the Pelicans won back-to-back games for the first time this season.<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: +3000<\/p>\n

Edgecombe is building up momentum again after an injury and a return to the mean shooting the ball slowed his early push for rookie of the year honors. The No. 3 overall pick has the second-best NET rating among NBA rookies this season and he’s in the midst of his best string of performances since the opening weeks of the season. Edgecombe hit his first-career game winner<\/a>, had 22 points and five assists in a 115-105 win over the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 12, and then scored 26 points in a close loss to the Atlanta Hawks two nights later<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: +5000<\/p>\n

The consistent two-way presence<\/a> of the No. 11 overall pick has been crucial to the Grizzlies’ ability to stay afloat while dealing with injuries to Ja Morant<\/a> and Zach Edey<\/a> this season. Coward went through an offensive uptick in December, though his 3-point shooting continues to wane after a fast start. He had 23 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in a win over Kawhi Leonard<\/a> and the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 5 and popped for 17 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in a close loss to the Utah Jazz<\/a> one week later.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

3. Derik Queen<\/a>, New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: +1100<\/p>\n

Queen’s surge into the rookie of the year conversation is helping the Pelicans cope with their dreadful record as a team and lack of a first-round draft pick in 2026 (which was traded away to move up and grab Queen in 2025<\/a>). The Baltimore native ranks second among rookies in assists, rebounds, blocks and player efficiency rating (PER) entering the Thursday, Dec. 17 NBA schedule and orchestrated one of the finest showings by a rookie ever<\/a> when he had a 33-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double against the Spurs on Dec. 9.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Stats: 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: +170<\/p>\n

Knueppel lost his grip on the top spot in the rookie rankings, but it doesn’t have to do with a drop-off in his performance. He poured in a new career high 33 points and nine assists in a Dec. 12 loss to the Chicago Bulls and followed that up with 29 points in a Dec. 14 overtime win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The No. 4 overall pick still leads all rookies in scoring and 3-point shooting this season<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NBA Rookie of the Year odds: -185<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Flagg remained the NBA Rookie of the Year favorite despite a slow first few weeks with the Mavericks, but he’s been surging for a while now and assumes the No. 1 position in USA TODAY’s NBA rookie rankings for the first time on the heels of becoming the first 18-year-old in league history to score more than 40 points in a game. Flagg, who turns 19 on Dec. 21, finished with 42 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the Mavericks’ overtime loss at Utah on Dec. 15<\/a> and he’s averaging nearly 20 points per game when Anthony Davis<\/a> is in the lineup.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA rookie power ranking: Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Derik Queen lead<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It was as if Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, the two former Duke teammates who have an early…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":353198,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[434],"tags":[45609,42528,14727,6703,49,48,97948,11002,5184,2357,2597,2695,42511,2898,8230,18737,13155,8223,2697,18729,93819,14728,44391,1527,151327,85627,15718,8224,459,153118,8214,2901,1528,114553,134429,10679,24616,2696,122632,82,15717,9769,47621,127934,126335],"class_list":["post-353197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nba","tag-ace-bailey","tag-andrew-nembhard","tag-anthony-davis","tag-atlanta-hawks","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-cedric-coward","tag-charlotte-hornets","tag-chicago-bulls","tag-cleveland-cavaliers","tag-cooper-flagg","tag-dallas-mavericks","tag-danny-wolf","tag-denver-nuggets","tag-derik-queen","tag-dylan-harper","tag-egor-demin","tag-houston-rockets","tag-indiana-pacers","tag-ja-morant","tag-jeremiah-fears","tag-kawhi-leonard","tag-kon-knueppel","tag-los-angeles-clippers","tag-mason-plumlee","tag-maxime-raynaud","tag-memphis-grizzlies","tag-miami-heat","tag-nba","tag-nba-rookie-rankings","tag-new-orleans-pelicans","tag-new-york-knicks","tag-philadelphia-76ers","tag-ryan-kalkbrenner","tag-ryan-nembhard","tag-sacramento-kings","tag-san-antonio","tag-san-antonio-spurs","tag-sion-james","tag-sports","tag-utah-jazz","tag-vj-edgecombe","tag-warriors","tag-will-richard","tag-zach-edey"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/353197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=353197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/353197\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/353198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=353197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=353197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=353197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}