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Cooper Flagg, Knueppel and Edgecombe make NBA All‑Rookie first team

ESPN NBA •
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Dallas forward Cooper Flagg joined Charlotte center Kon Knueppel and Philadelphia guard VJ Edgecombe as unanimous selections to the NBA All‑Rookie first team, unveiled Wednesday night. The trio topped a field that also featured San Antonio guard Dylan Harper and Memphis forward Cedric Coward, both earning first‑team nods. Flagg’s inclusion cements his breakout sophomore campaign and quickly became a fan favorite.

Harper appeared on every ballot, collecting 93 first‑team votes and seven second‑team mentions, underscoring his consistency despite limited minutes. Only five rookies received any Rookie of the Year votes, with Flagg edging Knueppel for the top honor, and positions him as a cornerstone for Dallas. The narrow margin highlights how quickly Flagg has become a focal point for the Mavericks’ rebuilding plans.

Second‑team honors went to New Orleans guard Jeremiah Fears, Utah forward Derik Queen, Sacramento’s Ace Bailey, Maxime Raynaud of Sacramento, and Toronto’s Collin Murray‑Boyles. With the All‑Defensive squad due Friday and All‑NBA selections slated for Sunday, rookie awards set tone for talent ahead of league’s voting cycle. His defensive instincts also impressed coaches. Flagg’s rookie accolades solidify his status as a marquee player.