The NBA unveiled its Rising Stars Challenge roster Monday, spotlighting Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg as the crown jewel of next month’s showcase during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. The top overall selection from June’s draft commands attention in a field brimming with exceptional young talent, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive Rising Stars events in recent memory.
Flagg Leads Loaded Rookie Class
Flagg’s selection comes as no surprise given his immediate impact on the Mavericks roster this season. The forward has quickly established himself as a cornerstone player for Dallas, demonstrating the skills and basketball intelligence that made him the consensus top pick. His inclusion in the Rising Stars Challenge provides another platform for Flagg to showcase the versatility that has captivated NBA fans and analysts alike.
The Dallas star joins nine fellow rookies, each plucked from the lottery in June’s draft. San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper, selected second overall, stands alongside Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (third), Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (fourth), Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (sixth), and New Orleans Pelicans selections Jeremiah Fears (seventh) and Derik Queen (13th). Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (eighth), Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (ninth), and Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (11th) complete the impressive rookie contingent.
The depth of talent from this draft class reflects the strength of recent college basketball programs and international development systems. These young players have already begun making substantial impacts on their respective franchises, with several earning significant minutes and starting roles despite their inexperience at the professional level. Flagg himself has emerged as a primary offensive option for the Mavericks, averaging impressive statistics while adjusting to the rigors of an 82-game NBA season.
Sophomore Stars Bring Experience
Eleven second-year players will complement the rookie showcase, headlined by Wizards center Alex Sarr, the runner-up in the 2024 NBA draft. Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (third), Spurs guard Stephon Castle (fourth), Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (seventh), and Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (11th) represent high-profile lottery selections from last year’s class.
These sophomores have spent an entire season acclimating to NBA competition, giving them a slight edge in experience over the rookie class led by Flagg. Their development trajectories provide a glimpse into what the current rookie class might achieve in their second seasons. Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (15th), Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20th), and Wizards forward Kyshawn George (24th) provide additional first-round depth.
Second-round success stories Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (38th), Memphis Grizzlies guards Jaylen Wells (39th) and Cam Spencer (53rd) demonstrate the value hidden beyond the lottery. Their presence proves that talent evaluation extends far beyond the first 14 picks, a lesson that resonates throughout NBA front offices.
G League Players Earn Recognition
NBA assistant coaches selected the 21 rookies and sophomores through voting, while seven G League participants secured their spots through exceptional developmental league performances alongside high-profile selections like Flagg. Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen (16th pick) and LA Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (30th pick) represent June draft selections who spent time refining their games in the G League.
Four two-way contract players earned invitations, David Jones Garcia (Spurs), Tristen Newton (Rockets), Alijah Martin (Raptors), and Ron Harper Jr. (Boston Celtics). Sean East II, currently with the Salt Lake City Stars, rounds out the G League contingent, as Flagg headlines a Rising Stars group that blends top prospects with proven developmental standouts. Their inclusion highlights the developmental system’s growing importance in cultivating NBA-ready talent.
Tournament Format Creates Competitive Drama
The 28 players will split into four squads for a mini-tournament structure on Feb. 13 in Los Angeles. The 21 NBA rookies and sophomores will form three seven-player rosters, while G League participants compose the fourth team. Two semifinal matchups will determine finalists, with winners advancing to a championship game that promises intense competition.
For Flagg and his fellow rookies, the tournament format offers a unique opportunity to compete alongside and against some of the league’s brightest young stars. The competitive structure ensures every possession matters, transforming what could be an exhibition into a genuine contest. Flagg’s competitive nature suggests he will approach the event with the same intensity he brings to regular season games.
Draft Night Brings Celebrity Coaches
NBC will broadcast Tuesday night’s team selection process, featuring honorary coaches and broadcast analysts Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter drafting the rookie and sophomore teams. NBC Sports analyst and former NBA player Austin Rivers will guide the G League squad. Detroit Pistons assistant coaches and staff from whichever team earns Western Conference All-Star coaching duties will lead the four teams during competition.
The Rising Stars Challenge continues evolving as a platform for emerging talent, offering fans an early glimpse at players shaping the league’s future landscape. With Flagg leading a historically talented rookie class, this year’s event promises to deliver memorable performances and highlight the extraordinary depth of young talent currently flourishing across the NBA.
Source: ESPN
