For the second straight year, the Washington Wizards are making noise at All-Star Weekend - and not just with one rising talent, but three. The NBA announced Monday that Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson have all been selected to participate in the 2026 Rising Stars Game, tying a franchise record for most players sent to the event.
Sarr and George will suit up for the sophomore squad, while Johnson, the dynamic rookie guard, earned his first nod on the rookie team. For George and Johnson, it's their debut appearance in the showcase. Sarr, who made the rookie team last season, returns after a strong second-year leap.
The Rising Stars Game, set for 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 13 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, features a four-team format: three squads made up of NBA rookies and sophomores, and a fourth team composed of NBA G League talent. Coaching duties will be handled by a trio of Hall of Famers - Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady - with ESPN analyst and former Wizard Austin Rivers leading the G League team.
Let’s break down what earned each Wizard his spot.
Alex Sarr: The Defensive Anchor with an Expanding Game
Sarr’s inclusion was never in doubt. The 7-footer is leading the entire league in blocks per game (2.1) and sits atop the sophomore class in scoring at 17.4 points per game. He’s not just swatting shots - he’s starting to round out his offensive toolkit.
Last season, Sarr’s shooting numbers left room for growth - 39.4% from the field and 30.8% from deep. This year?
He’s cleaned that up in a big way, hitting 50.5% of his shots overall and 34.4% from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency from a rim protector with perimeter range makes him a rare commodity - and exactly the kind of player who deserves the Rising Stars spotlight.
Kyshawn George: The Do-It-All Forward Who Forced His Way In
George was left off last year’s Rising Stars roster, but he made sure the league couldn’t ignore him this time around. The 22-year-old forward has been one of the most well-rounded contributors among second-year players. He’s third in points per game (15.5), fifth in assists (5.1), and ranks among the top eight in both steals and blocks.
George has emerged as a versatile weapon - capable of initiating offense, defending multiple positions, and making plays on both ends. His growth has been steady, and his selection is a testament to the all-around impact he's bringing to the floor every night.
Tre Johnson: A Rookie Sharpshooter on the Rise
Johnson’s selection comes on the heels of a breakout performance - a 26-point, six-assist outing against Charlotte that turned heads across the league. But it’s not just a one-off. The rookie guard has quietly put together a strong first season, ranking sixth among rookies in both scoring (12.9 PPG) and three-point percentage (39.3%).
He’s also shooting 44.4% from the field and an impressive 88.1% from the free-throw line - numbers that show his scoring efficiency is already ahead of the curve for a first-year player. Johnson’s ability to stretch the floor and create off the dribble has given the Wizards a spark, and his Rising Stars nod feels like a well-earned milestone.
The One That Got Away: Bub Carrington Left Off the Roster
While Washington will be well-represented in Inglewood, one name fans might have expected to see - second-year guard Bub Carrington - didn’t make the cut. It’s a tough break for a player who’s found his rhythm after a slow start to the season.
Carrington has picked things up in recent weeks, lifting his averages to 9.9 points per game and shooting 40.5% from three. But that early-season inconsistency likely cost him a spot. Still, if his current trajectory continues, don’t be surprised if he’s in the mix for future honors.
Big Picture for the Wizards
Sending three players to the Rising Stars Game is more than just a fun All-Star Weekend accolade - it’s a sign of a young core developing in real time. Sarr is anchoring the defense and evolving into a two-way presence.
George is becoming a Swiss Army knife on the wing. Johnson is already flashing the kind of scoring chops that win games.
For a franchise in the midst of a rebuild, this is exactly the kind of momentum you want to see. The Wizards may not be contenders yet, but their future is heading in the right direction - and the rest of the league is starting to take notice.