NBA Rising Stars Challenge: who chooses the teams and players?
The crowds are pouring in as Cleveland gets things going for the NBA All Star weekend with the Clorox Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, February 18
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.