Everything to know about 2023 NBA Rising Stars event originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Young talent is in abundance in the NBA.
Though the likes of veterans such as LeBron James continues to dominate the headlines, the number of intriguing youngsters shining – usually under the radar – bodes well for the long-term future of the league.
Sophomores and rookies alike have been thriving thus far in the 2022-23 regular season, with some playing critical rotational roles in potential playoff pushes.
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With All-Star weekend approaching, 28 NBA sophomores, rookies and promising G League players have been rewarded for their performances by being named to the Rising Stars, one of the premier events of the three-day festivities.
Here’s what to know about the 2023 NBA Rising Stars:
What is the NBA Rising Stars?
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The NBA Rising Stars is one of the events that transpires in the beginning of All-Star weekend. It pits the best youngsters against each other in a contest similar to the All-Star Game, but 2022 introduced a new format that will remain this year.
When is the 2023 NBA Rising Stars?
The 2023 NBA Rising Stars will start on Friday, Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. ET in Vivint Arena, home of the Utah Jazz.
What is the format of the 2023 NBA Rising Stars?
Similar to 2022, there will be three seven-player teams determined via draft by the four coaches selected for the event. The G League players will comprise the fourth team.
The three-game mini-tournament will have a semifinals and final to decide which squad of youngsters is the best. The semifinals will be played to a “Final Target” score of 40, and the final will be played to a score of 25. A made basket or free throw ends the game, not a running clock.
Which players are in the 2023 NBA Rising Stars?
Let’s take a look at the 28 players selected, categorized by sophomores, rookies and G Leaguers.
Sophomores:
- Jose Alvarado, New Orleans Pelicans
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
- Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
- Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks
- Bones Hyland, Denver Nuggets
- Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
- Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
- Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Rookies:
- Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
- Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
- AJ Griffin, Atlanta Hawks
- Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons
- Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
- Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
- Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
- Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers
- Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
- Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs
- Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
G League:
- Sidy Cissoko, G League Ignite
- Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
- Mojave King, G League Ignite
- Kenneth Lofton Jr., Memphis Hustle
- Mac McClung, Delaware Blue Coats
- Leonard Miller, G League Ignite
- Scotty Pippen Jr., South Bay Lakers
NBA assistant coaches selected the 21 sophomores and rookies while the NBA league office selected the seven G Leaguers for the fourth team.
Who are the coaches in the 2023 NBA Rising Stars?
The four head coaches who will be looking to lead their youngsters to the event’s trophy are familiar names in the NBA stratosphere.
- Pau Gasol, six-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion
- Joakim Noah, two-time NBA All-Star and 2012-13 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- Deron Williams, three-time NBA All-Star
- Jason Terry (G League team coach), 2008-09 Sixth Man of the Year and one-time NBA champion
