NBA awards rookies Dylan Harper and Kon Knueppel for February originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tuesday afternoon the NBA released the Eastern and Western Conference rookies of the month, highlighting the best first-year performers from each league during the month of February.
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For starters, Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel received Rookie of the Month honors in the East, averaging 21.5 points per game and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 48.5% from three-point range.
This is Knueppel’s fourth time receiving this honor, having won every month from November to now February.
On the season, Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 44% from three-point range.
These numbers are slightly better than those of VJ Edgecombe, the closest challenger, who was drafted one spot ahead of Knueppel to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Moving on to the Western Conference, there was a new rookie earning Rookie of the Month honors, Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs.
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Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks had taken the last three months prior, although he’s missed the last seven games due to injury.
In February, Harper averaged 12.5 points per game and 4.9 assists on 55% shooting from the field.
Not many No. 2 overall picks come off the bench to begin their careers, but Harper has thrived in this role and has become a vital piece to San Antonio’s deep rotation.
On the season, Harper is averaging 11 points per game, 3.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds.
Both Harper and Knueppel will be in action Tuesday night, as each team with a top-four pick in last year’s draft will square off against one another. Charlotte will host the Mavericks, while the Spurs will travel to Philadelphia for a matchup against the 76ers.
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