The start of the 2025–26 NBA season is showing how strong the Duke basketball program continues to be. Many former Duke players are doing very well. The biggest name right now is Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, who looks like the early favorite for Rookie of the Year. No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg is also improving with the Dallas Mavericks, and fourth-year forward Jalen Johnson is having his best season with the Atlanta Hawks. Duke players are making a big impact across the league.
Kon Knueppel: The Quiet Rookie of the Year Front-Runner
Kon Knueppel has had a very smooth start to his NBA career. He does not play like a normal rookie. For the Charlotte Hornets, he has become an important part of the offense. He is averaging about 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in around 33.5 minutes per game. He is shooting very well, making around 48.8% of his shots and about 42.1% of his three-pointers.
What makes Knueppel special is his smart decision-making. He does not force bad shots and understands the game like a veteran. The young Hornets team depends on him in close games because he stays calm and makes the right play. His size, skill, and strong shooting have made him the top Rookie of the Year candidate so far.
Cooper Flagg: Validating the No. 1 Pick Status
Cooper Flagg was the first overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks, and many people expect a lot from him. Even though he is only 18, he is already showing why he was chosen at No. 1. He is averaging about 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in about 33.6 minutes per game. His three-point shooting is still improving at about 27.4%, but his energy, defense, and all-around play are strong.
Flagg has already had big moments. In a recent overtime win, he scored 21 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and had 5 assists. He also made the important free throw that sent the game to overtime. Playing more as a wing has helped him feel more comfortable. He plays with confidence and maturity, and he looks like a future star for the Mavericks.
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Jalen Johnson: Atlanta’s New Two-Way Star
Jalen Johnson, who joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2021, is having a huge breakout season in his fourth year. With Trae Young injured, Johnson has taken on a bigger role and has become one of the best all-around forwards in the East. He is averaging 22.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
He had an amazing performance against the Utah Jazz, where he got a triple-double with 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, and 7 steals—a career-high. No other player this season has had a game like that. His scoring, passing, rebounding, and defense make him a possible All-Star. He is becoming a key piece for the Hawks.
Conclusion
Duke’s Enduring NBA Legacy
The 2025–26 NBA season is shining a bright light on former Duke players. Kon Knueppel looks like the Rookie of the Year favorite. Cooper Flagg is proving he deserved to be the No. 1 pick. Jalen Johnson is playing like a star in Atlanta. Together, they show how strong Duke’s basketball program continues to be. Fans in Charlotte, Dallas, and Atlanta will be watching closely to see how far these three Duke players can take their teams this season.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning the 2025-26 NBA season. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets and sports statistics providers.