Full Breakdown
NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2026: Draft Results and Key Players
1/29/2026, 12:09:39 AM
Overview of the Rising Stars Challenge
The 2026 Castrol Rising Stars Challenge, featuring the top rookie and sophomore players in the NBA, is set to take place on February 13, 2026, as part of the All-Star Weekend festivities at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This year, the event will showcase a mini-tournament format with four teams, including a G League squad coached by Austin Rivers.
Draft Results and Team Composition
The draft for the Rising Stars Challenge was conducted by NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady. Anthony selected Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg as the first overall pick, followed by Tracy McGrady's choice of Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel at second. Vince Carter rounded out the top picks by selecting Philadelphia 76ers guard V.J. Edgecombe and New Orleans Pelicans forward Derik Queen.
Team Rosters
- Team Melo: Cooper Flagg, Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets), Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs), Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans), Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers), Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors).
- Team T-Mac: Kon Knueppel, Kel'el Ware (Miami Heat), Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards), Alex Sarr (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder), Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Cam Spencer (Memphis Grizzlies).
- Team Vince: V.J. Edgecombe, Derik Queen, Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards), Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls), Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets), Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies), Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies).
- G League Team: Yang Hansen (Portland Trail Blazers), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (LA Clippers), David Jones Garcia (San Antonio Spurs), Tristan Newton (Houston Rockets), Alijah Martin (Toronto Raptors), Ron Harper Jr. (Boston Celtics), Sean East II (Salt Lake City Stars).
Criticism and Notable Snubs
While the Rising Stars Challenge features many talented players, some notable rookies were not selected. Among them is Ace Bailey of the Utah Jazz, the fifth overall pick in the 2025 draft, who has been recognized for his contributions despite not making the roster. Other snubs include Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns), Noa Essengue (Chicago Bulls), and Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs).
Conclusion
The 2026 Rising Stars Challenge promises to be an exciting showcase of emerging talent in the NBA. With players like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel leading the charge, fans can expect a competitive atmosphere as these young athletes vie for recognition and the opportunity to shine on a national stage.
