NBA Rising Stars Challenge: who chooses the teams and players?

Kicking off the NBA’s All Star weekend, Friday sees the Rising Stars challenge kick off 2022’s tournament format. New for this year, this means that instead of a single game, fans will be treated to a tournament between four teams. Played more like a city park game, there is no clock and the first team to 50 in the semifinals, and 25 in the finals, wins.

The teams are made up of 24 first and second-year players who are selected by NBA assistant coaches, plus four players from the G League Ignite team selected by G League head coaches.

This year the four teams will be coached by Rick Barry, Gary Payton, Isiah Thomas and James Worthy. Their rosters will consist of the brightest of the young crop of NBA players.

Rosters:

TEAM BARRY

Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons


Dyson Daniels, G League Ignite


Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers


Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers


Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets


Jae’Sean Tate, Houston Rockets


Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

TEAM ISIAH

Precious Achiuwa, Toronto Raptors


Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies


Saddiq Bey, Detroit Pistons


Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves


Tyrese Haliburton, Sacramento Kings


Jaden Hardy, G League Ignite


Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons

TEAM PAYTON

LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets


Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors


Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls


Chris Duarte, Indiana Pacers


Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite


Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves


Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings

TEAM WORTHY

Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic


MarJon Beauchamp, G League Ignite


Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder


Jalen Green, Houston Rockets


Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans


Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers


Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic

In this pickup-game style tournament featuring the future stars of the NBA, the teams were drafted by the four team coaches. A good way to kick off a great weekend.