Miles Bridges Backs Rookie Kon Knueppel for ROY

0:00On April 27th, Miles Bridges is riding for his hornets rookie, Khan Tenewapal, straight up defending him after a rough finish to the season. Even with Kenewapal struggling in those last games, Bridges says chill on the hot takes he still sees him as rookie of the year for the 20. 25-26 season. Announcement drops Monday and Newepal could join Lamello Ball as the next hornet to snag it. Newepal balled out all year, grabbing Eastern Conference rookie of the month for four straight months, first ever in franchise history and not done. Since Paolo Banchero, he led the whole league with 273 pointers, set the rookie record for them, hit 200 career threes faster than anyone, and owned the mark for most games with five or more. Bridges called it the rookie wall everybody hits, but stress Khan changed the team culture and had a massive season overall. Newepal owned his late slump in exit interviews, blaming shot selection and the long grind after jumping from college straight to pros, no excuses.

1:01Just learning to stay fresh. Now it's down to a global panel of 100 voters, pitting Newepal against his duped buddy Cooper Flag from the Mavs. Hornets hit 44 wins with his help. No fourth overall pick in 2025 draft did more. Whatever the call, Newepal's resume screams impact player, setting him up to own those duke reunions and build on this rookie fire for years ahead.