Dallas Mavericks forward and No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg was announced as the winner of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award on Monday, edging out former Duke teammate Kon Kneuppel.

Flagg was considered a heavy favourite before the season, but Knueppel made a push after the All-Star break as the Charlotte Hornets fought into play-in position.

Flagg received 56 of 100 first-place votes, while Knueppel received the other 44 first-place votes. Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe finished third.

Flagg, 19, was the first rookie to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals since Michael Jordan in 1984-85.

In 70 games, Flagg averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 46.8% from the floor and 29.5% from 3-point range.

Flagg’s dynamic, two-way game was the silver lining for the Mavericks’ season as Dallas went 26-56 and traded away Anthony Davis just a year after acquiring him.

Flagg is the third Dallas player to receive the NBA’s top rookie award, joining Luka Dončić (2019) and Jason Kidd, who shared the honours with Grant Hill in 1995.

Knueppel’s late charge for the award came up short after making an NBA-leading 273 3-point field goals, more than any other rookie in NBA history.

In 81 games, Knueppel averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 47.5% from the floor and 42.5% from 3-point range.