“FROM DUKE TO THE NBA: Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel’s Heartfelt Summer League Reunion Has Fans BUZZING — And Knueppel DELIVERS in Flagg’s Absence”
In a moment that reminded fans just how special the Duke brotherhood truly is, former Blue Devils stars Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel shared a powerful embrace courtside during Monday’s NBA Summer League clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets. Although Flagg didn’t suit up — benched by Dallas to avoid injury risk — the sight of Duke’s top duo reconnecting postgame had social media melting. But while Flagg watched in street clothes, it was Knueppel who stole the show, dropping a double-double and flashing the same fire that made him a star in Durham. From college teammates to top-5 draft picks, their paths continue to shine — and this reunion may just be the beginning of a legendary NBA rivalry.
Former Duke stars Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel were both projected to be NBA lottery picks, and both players were top-five selections in the 2025 draft.
Flagg went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, and Knueppel No. 4 overall to the Charlotte Hornets. So when they saw their respective NBA Summer League schedules, they both likely had July 14 circled.
The Mavericks and Hornets met on Monday night, and though Flagg didn’t play—Dallas made the decision over the weekend to bench him for the rest of the Summer League (likely to avoid injury risk)—that didn’t stop him from sharing a special embrace with his former Blue Devils teammate.
The Duke men’s basketball account posted a video on X of Flagg and Knueppel sharing an embrace in the handshake line after the game with the caption: “Kon 🤝 Coop
It was the first meeting the two teammates had since getting drafted nearly three weeks ago. The two will likely see each other a few times during the regular season as well; the Mavericks and Hornets play each other twice a year.
Charlotte got the better on Monday’s meeting, cruising to an 87-69 victory. While Flagg watched from the bench in street clothes, Knueppel put on an admirable performance.
The 19-year-old guard recorded a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) along with four assists, a block, and a steal in 6 minutes of action. He was the game’s leading scorer right behind teammate KJ Simpson, who logged 18 points and seven assists.
Both Flagg and Knueppel had standout freshmen seasons at Duke last year.
The 19-year-old Flagg, who averaged a team-high 19.2 points per game along with 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per contest, was named the National College Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year while also winning the Lute Olson, Julius Erving, and Wayman Tisdale awards
He was also a consensus first-team All-American plus a first-team All-ACC, ACC All-Defensive Team, and ACC All-Freshman selection.
Conversely, Knueppel, who averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game last season, was an ACC All-Freshman Team and second-team All-ACC selection. He also took home ACC Tournament MVP honors as well.
