All-Star Weekend Rising Stars: The Rookies

Every February, NBA fans get a sneak peek at the future during All-Star Weekend. One of the most exciting events is the Rising Stars Game. This game is made just for young players who are new to the league and already making noise.

This year, the Rising Stars Game will be played on Friday, February 13, and it will be a four-team tournament. The games are short, fast, and full of action. Players go all out, trying to show their skills on a big stage and prove they belong.

Eastern Conference Rookies

In the East, several young players are being asked to grow fast on teams searching for answers.

In Charlotte, Kon Knueppel has been one of the biggest surprises of the rookie class. He is averaging 18.9 points per game, which leads all rookies. The Hornets are building around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and Knueppel’s shooting helps open the floor. If he keeps this up, he could become one of the best shooters from this draft.

Over in Philadelphia, V.J. Edgecombe is showing why he was picked so high. He scores 16 points per game and plays hard on both offense and defense. The 76ers are unsure what their future looks like with past injuries to Joel Embiid, but Edgecombe fits no matter which direction the team goes.

The Washington Wizards are rebuilding, but Tre Johnson has found a good situation and is scoring almost 13 points per game. He gets open shots and can focus on improving without being asked to do everything.

In Brooklyn, the Nets are fully focused on the future. Egor Demin is averaging 10 points per game and getting valuable playing time at point guard. Wins are not the goal this season. Learning and growing are.

Toronto is a playoff team again, and Colin Murray-Boyles is part of that success. He is learning how to be a steady two-way player who can help on defense and grow his offensive game.

Western Conference Rookies

The West features rookies who are being trusted with big roles right away.

In Dallas, everything changed after a blockbuster trade, and Cooper Flagg has stepped into the spotlight. He is scoring 18.8 points per game and has quickly become the face of the team’s future. With injuries around him, Flagg has been Dallas’ biggest source of hope.

San Antonio is moving fast, and Dylan Harper is learning how to win early in his career. He averages 10 points per game while playing alongside Victor Wembanyama, Fox and other young stars. His focus is fitting in off the bench and helping the team grow together.

In Memphis, Cedric Coward is part of a young Grizzlies team. He scores 14 points per game, plays strong on the wing and brings energy as the team looks toward a new chapter.

New Orleans added skill with Derik Queen, who averages 12 points per game. He is a strong scorer and dribbler, especially for a center. He's become a huge part of the Pelicans’ future plans.

Finally, in Portland, Yang Hansen is learning behind other big men. He spends a lot of time in the G-League where his minutes are about defense, effort, and development as the Trail Blazers stay patient.

The Rising Stars Game is all about the future. On Friday the 13th, these rookies will get their moment to shine and show the NBA world what’s coming next.