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NBA Legends Draft Rising Stars: Flagg and Knueppel Selected

1/28/2026

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Summary

NBA Legends Draft Rising Stars

On January 28, 2026, NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady drafted players for the Rising Stars Challenge, set for February 13 in Los Angeles.
Carmelo Anthony selected Cooper Flagg first.
Tracy McGrady selected Kon Knueppel second.
Cooper Flagg is a Dallas Mavericks rookie who averages 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Kon Knueppel plays for the Charlotte Hornets and averages 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds.

Summary

Flagg vs. Knueppel Showdown

Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, former Duke teammates, will face off in the Rising Stars Challenge on February 13, 2026.
Both rookies are contending for Rookie of the Year.
Flagg averages 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Dallas Mavericks.
Knueppel averages 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Charlotte Hornets.
Flagg's scoring has dipped due to a lingering ankle injury.

History

Historical Context

The NBA Draft Lottery was introduced in 1985 to promote fairness in team selections, with the New York Knicks winning the inaugural lottery and selecting Patrick Ewing. Ewing, who played for the Knicks from 1985 to 2000, became a franchise icon. Today, rookies like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, both averaging nearly 19 points, highlight the ongoing significance of draft selections in shaping team success.

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NBA Legends Draft Rising Stars

On January 28, 2026, NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady drafted players for the Rising Stars Challenge, set for February 13 in Los Angeles.
Carmelo Anthony selected Cooper Flagg first.
Tracy McGrady selected Kon Knueppel second.
Cooper Flagg is a Dallas Mavericks rookie who averages 18.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Kon Knueppel plays for the Charlotte Hornets and averages 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds.

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