As we near NBA All-Star Weekend this February, the NBA announced some major changes to the Rising Stars Challenge game.
Traditionally, the Rising Stars Challenge is an exhibition match between the league’s top first and second-year players. For the first time, the game will also feature prospects from the G-League Ignite team. Ignite is a developmental basketball program for players who opt to forgo the NCAA route. The team allows prospects to prepare for the NBA draft straight from high school against G-League level competition. Rockets guard Jalen Green and Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga each played on the Ignite last year before becoming top ten draft picks.
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Additionally, an updated format will consist of four seven-man teams in a score-capped tournament. Two semifinal games will play to a target score of 50 points. The winners move on to a championship game played to 25 points. Teams will be drafted by select NBA assistant coaches and members of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. The pool of draftable players will consist of 12 rookies, 12 sophomores, as well as 4 Ignite players. Further, all four teams will also participate in a timed shooting competition in between the semifinals and finals. Each shooting spot will reference a historic shot made in the NBA Playoffs.
All-Star Weekend takes place in Cleveland from February 18th to 20th. The Rising Stars Challenge will be held on Friday night. Lastly, for more sports news, Tracy McGrady is Creating a 1-on-1 Pro Basketball League.
