Cooper Flagg leads the Rising Stars: the NBA’s future takes shape
Cooper Flagg is the name lighting up the Rising Stars Challenge. The Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick is leading a generation ready to take over the NBA during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles
The NBA looks to the future by putting the spotlight on Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the most recent Draft and already a cornerstone for the Dallas Mavericks. The 2006-born forward is the headline name among the official rosters announced for the Rising Stars Challenge, one of the most anticipated events of All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
It’s recognition that confirms not only Flagg’s talent, but also the immediate impact he’s had in his rookie season. The league has in fact selected only Lottery-picked rookies, a clear sign of how this event serves as a showcase for the elite of the NBA’s new generation.
Rising Stars Challenge: all the rookie selections
Alongside Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), the list of ten rookies includes some of the most talked-about prospects of recent years:
- Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs, No. 2 pick)
- VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers, No. 3)
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets, No. 4)
- Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards, No. 6)
- Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans, No. 7)
- Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets, No. 8)
- Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors, No. 9)
- Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies, No. 11)
- Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans, No. 13)
This group clearly reflects where the league is headed: creative guards, versatile wings, and increasingly mobile big men, all capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor.
The sophomores: Alex Sarr and the stars of the 2024 Draft
Completing the picture are 11 sophomores, led by Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 Draft and center for the Washington Wizards. Alongside him stand out:
- Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
- Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
Other selections include Kel’el Ware, Jaylon Tyson, Kyshawn George, as well as second-round picks Ajay Mitchell, Jaylen Wells, and Cam Spencer, highlighting how NBA impact can also come from outside the very top of the Draft.
G League representation: format and teams
All 28 participants will be divided into four teams. Three seven-player squads will be made up of rookies and sophomores, while the fourth team will feature G League standouts.
Among them are:
- Yang Hansen (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Yanic Konan Niederhauser (LA Clippers)
- Two-way players David Jones Garcia, Tristen Newton, Alijah Martin, Ron Harper Jr.
- Sean East II, from the Salt Lake City Stars
The format includes a mini-tournament on February 13 in Los Angeles, with semifinals and final played on the same night.
Live TV draft and special coaches
Team selection will take place live on NBC, with Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter serving as honorary coaches and analysts. The G League team will be coached by Austin Rivers, while the main coaches will be NBA assistants, including staff members from the Detroit Pistons and the team leading the Western Conference at the All-Star break.
The Rising Stars is the right place to understand where the NBA is going.
NBA
And with Cooper Flagg at the center of the stage, the message feels pretty clear.