The accolades continue to stack for Knueppel, who has been a lethal shooter, leading the NBA in 3-pointers made with 216 and setting the rookie record for 3-pointers made in a season. When you pull the curtain back behind the scoring and the shooting, his steady play has been a key piece in elevating the Hornets.

After growing up as a Celtics fan, the Newport native got his first chance to play in their home arena, and acknowledged it was a 'special' experience.

For kids in New England, the NBA always felt just out of reach. On Friday night in Boston, Cooper Flagg made it real.

WMTW sports director Travis Lee spoke to one fan with a custom shirt that reads: "Dual citizenship: Celtics/Flagg Nation."

Dallas Mavericks phenom Cooper Flagg has done a very good job to date of showcasing his spectacular basketball abilities and talents throughout his rookie NBA season. MORE: Bill Simmons reveals NBA return date for Celtics star Jayson Tatum While Flagg has missed the past few games as a result of a sprain to his midfoot,

Kon Knueppel has the highest odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, but the latest Cooper Flagg injury update could shake up the race.

The calendar isn’t helping anymore. Every passing game night quietly shifts the balance of power in the NBA’s Rookie of the Year race, and the gap isn’t being created by a bad performance or a slump.