The NBA’s future is on full display for All-Star weekend. Top draft picks Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper headline the Rising Stars event, which will pit 10 rookies, 11 sophomores, and 7 G League standouts in a fast-paced tournament format.
The annual NBA Rising Stars showcase, a cornerstone of All-Star weekend, has officially announced its 28-player roster for the 2026 event. The game, set for February 13th in Inglewood, California, will feature a unique tournament format and a star-studded cast of the league’s most promising young talent. The selection process, which pits the NBA’s best first and second-year players against a team of G League standouts, is designed to highlight the next generation of superstars before they reach the pinnacle of the sport.
This year’s rookie class is led by the top two picks from the 2025 NBA Draft. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 selection by the Dallas Mavericks, has been nothing short of spectacular, leading all first-year players with a staggering 18.8 points per game. His performance has solidified his status as a franchise cornerstone. Right behind him is his former Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, who is averaging 18.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 42.2% from beyond the arc. Both players have proven their readiness for the NBA stage and are expected to be focal points of the Rising Stars event.
The rookie class also features VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers, who averages 15.4 points per game, good for third among all rookies. Rounding out the high-profile rookies is Dylan Harper, the San Antonio Spurs’ point guard who was selected fifth overall. Harper has made an immediate impact, contributing 10.2 points and 3.5 assists per game while showcasing the playmaking ability that made him a top prospect. The inclusion of these four premier rookies signals that the event will feature a clash of the most exciting young talents in the league.
The NBA Rising Stars event is more than just a game; it’s a preview of the league’s future. The format—a mini-tournament with semifinals played to 40 points and a championship game to 25—ensures a fast-paced, high-scoring affair that emphasizes the athleticism and skill of the younger players. The event will be broadcast by NBC Sports, with analysis provided by honorary coaches Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Austin Rivers, all of whom are former NBA stars and current analysts for the network.
The selection process for the NBA players was handled by assistant coaches across the league, ensuring that the players recognized are those making the biggest impacts on their respective teams. In addition to the rookies, 11 sophomores were selected, including names like Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards, who are continuing their development in their second seasons. The league office hand-picked the seven G League representatives, who have been dominant in the developmental circuit. Notably, Ron Harper Jr., brother of rookie Dylan Harper, was selected to represent the G League, adding a unique family storyline to the event.
For fans, the Rising Stars event offers a glimpse into the future of the NBA. It’s a chance to see the players who will be dominating headlines for years to come, competing in a fun, competitive environment. The combination of the league’s top rookies and sophomores against the best of the G League creates a fascinating dynamic that showcases the depth of talent across the entire basketball ecosystem.
As the NBA regular season progresses, the All-Star break provides a crucial opportunity to celebrate the game’s current stars while also highlighting its future. The Rising Stars event is the perfect embodiment of this, offering a thrilling spectacle of youthful exuberance and elite skill. With players like Flagg and Harper already making significant impacts, the anticipation for this showcase is at an all-time high.
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