The next wave of NBA talent is about to get its moment in the spotlight - and it’s coming with a serious dose of star power.
Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady - the newly minted NBA on NBC Showtime crew - are stepping into coaching roles for this year’s Rising Stars Game, set for All-Star Friday Night in Los Angeles. But before they draw up any plays, they’ll be picking their squads live on NBC and Peacock, drafting from a pool of rookies and sophomores who’ve caught the league’s attention early in their careers.
The Rising Stars Player Pool
The NBA revealed the full list of Rising Stars participants during Peacock NBA Monday, and it’s a mix of high-upside rookies and second-year players already carving out roles on their teams. These 21 players were selected by assistant coaches across the league - a nod of respect from those who see the work up close.
Rookies:
- Cedric Coward (Grizzlies)
- Egor Dëmin (Nets)
- VJ Edgecombe (76ers)
- Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans)
- Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
- Dylan Harper (Spurs)
- Tre Johnson (Wizards)
- Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
- Cam Spencer (Grizzlies)
- Collin Murray-Boyles (Raptors)
- Derik Queen (Pelicans)
Sophomores:
- Matas Buzelis (Bulls)
- Stephon Castle (Spurs)
- Donovan Clingan (Trail Blazers)
- Kyshawn George (Wizards)
- Ajay Mitchell (Thunder)
- Alex Sarr (Wizards)
- Reed Sheppard (Rockets)
- Jaylon Tyson (Cavaliers)
- Kel’el Ware (Heat)
- Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies)
This group brings a little bit of everything - versatile wings, high-IQ guards, and bigs who can stretch the floor or protect the rim. Some of these names have already made waves in the league, while others are just starting to show flashes of what’s to come. But make no mistake: this is the next generation of NBA stars, and they’re about to share the court in a format built for fireworks.
Don’t Forget the G League
Adding a wrinkle to the competition is a fourth team, made up entirely of G League standouts. Coached by NBC analyst and former NBA guard Austin Rivers, this group is ready to prove they belong in the same conversation as the league’s top rookies and sophomores.
G League Team:
- Sean East II (Salt Lake City Stars)
- Ron Harper Jr.
(Maine Celtics)
- David Jones Garcia (Austin Spurs)
- Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (San Diego Clippers)
- Alijah Martin (Raptors 905)
- Tristen Newton (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
- Yang Hansen (Rip City Remix)
It’s a chance for these players to showcase their skills on a national stage - and maybe even steal the show.
The Format: Fast, Fun, and First to the Finish
The Rising Stars Game will once again feature a mini-tournament format that’s designed to keep things competitive and electric. Here’s how it works:
- The 21 rookies and sophomores will be drafted into three teams of seven, each coached by either Anthony, Carter, or McGrady.
- The G League squad forms the fourth team, coached by Rivers.
- Two semifinal games will be played, with each matchup going to 40 points - no clock, just a race to the target score.
- The winners of those games will meet in the championship, which will be played to 25 points.
This format made waves last year for its pace and intensity, and with this year’s talent pool and coaching personalities, it’s shaping up to be another must-watch event.
How to Watch
Fans won’t have to miss a moment of the action. The Rising Stars Game tips off on Friday, February 13, live on NBC and Peacock as part of All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. That’s just the start of a packed weekend that also includes All-Star Saturday Night (3-Point and Dunk Contests on Feb. 14) and the All-Star Game itself on Sunday, February 15.
Beyond All-Star Weekend, NBC and Peacock are going all-in on NBA coverage. “Peacock NBA Monday” will stream up to three games each Monday night, while “Coast 2 Coast Tuesday” delivers doubleheaders every Tuesday. The new “Sunday Night Basketball” package kicks off February 1, bringing marquee matchups to NBC and Peacock every week.
So whether you’re tuning in to see the stars of tomorrow or the legends of today calling the shots, the Rising Stars Game is set to be one of the highlights of the All-Star festivities - and a true showcase of where the NBA is headed next.