2012 NBA Rising Stars Challenge: How the Poll Selections Will Play out

The player pool for the Rising Stars Challenge has been released, and as always, there are some interesting inclusions, as well as snubs.

Unlike in the past, this season, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley will draft teams rather than the rookies taking up the sophomores in a head-to-head challenge.

Here's one look at how it could all go down:

Team Shaq: Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers

It shouldn't even be a question as to who goes for the first-overall pick, and Griffin is the obvious candidate in the slot.

He's followed up his Rookie-of-the-Year season with an equally electric sophomore campaign, and he's improving his efficiency from the floor as well as his aggressiveness on the defensive end.

Team Barkley: John Wall, PG, Washington Wizards

Wall's numbers this season just don't reflect the type of player he is, as his growth has really been stunted by the level of talent around him in Washington.

Blessed with both speed and quickness at the point position, Wall is going to be a ton of fun to watch in this one, as the game emphasizes an up-and-down style of play.

Team Shaq: Ricky Rubio, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

Who doesn't want to see Rubio throwing beautiful lobs toward the rim with Griffin on the receiving end?

There isn't a sign-up sheet long enough to fit all of the signatures.

Team Barkley: DeMarcus Cousins, C, Sacramento Kings

Cousins has been a new man under Keith Smart since Paul Westphal was fired, and many are beginning to see why the Kings were willing to draft him despite the alleged "character concerns" surrounding him before draft day.

He can be a downright dominant force beneath the basket, and this would represent a sweet opportunity to pair with his good friend and former college teammate in Wall.

Team Shaq: Greg Monroe, C, Detroit Pistons

Monroe might get snubbed out of a well-deserved All-Star berth, but everyone should be paying attention to him in this game.

The second-year man out of Georgetown is really developing into a strong player for the Pistons, and his averages of 16.3 points and 9.9 rebounds are beyond impressive on a team without a plan on offense.

Team Barkley: Paul George, G/F, Indiana Pacers

The coming out party for George has been in full force all season, but he's really turned up the heat as of late.

An athletic specimen, George is asserting himself as a weapon on the wing and has been an integral part of why the Pacers have enjoyed so much success this year.

Team Shaq: Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

Not enough good things can be said about a 19-year-old rookie carrying the Cavs, and Irving has earned all of the praise that has been heaped upon him.

Although the team has already drafted Rubio at this point, Irving would be a lot of fun to watch if given the opportunity to score at will in this one.

Team Barkley: MarShon Brooks, G/F, New Jersey Nets

Brooks has been a scoring machine when healthy for New Jersey, and if he had the ability to score at will in this one, he could very well come out as the prized performer.

He's not extremely flashy when he's on the court, but he finds a way to score from a variety of places and is able to shake the defense when necessary.

There won't be a lot of defense played in this one, and that suits Brooks' style.

Team Shaq: Kawhi Leonard, G/F, San Antonio Spurs

Leonard makes it here because he's not afraid to do the dirty work, and that is something that would definitely appeal to the Shaqtus.

He will make sure that he's involved on every play, and it would be surprising if he dogged it at any point because he's just not that type of player.

Team Barkley: Markieff Morris, PF, Phoenix Suns

Morris has surprised with his ability to stroke it from deep, and it's a good thing that defense isn't emphasized in this contest.

He has some nice size and is a matchup nightmare for others at his position with his ability to stretch the floor.

Team Shaq: Evan Turner, G/F, Philadelphia 76ers

Turner doesn't get the love that he should because he comes off the bench for the Sixers, but he's been a lot better this season than in his inaugural campaign.

He's looking more polished at the offensive end, and he hasn't been afraid to take the big shots that he was known for at Ohio State.

Team Barkley: Gordon Hayward, G/F Utah Jazz

Hayward doesn't get a lot of attention in the public spotlight, but he's been much more consistent of late than he's shown previously in his career.

He's more active at the defensive end than a lot of people would think to imagine, and there is something to be said for the aggressive style of play he harbors in attacking the paint.

Team Shaq: Brandon Knight, PG, Detroit Pistons

Knight has issues with turnovers, but that is expected on a terrible Pistons team which is asking him to do a lot right off the bat.

He can score as well as dish the rock, and nobody should be sleeping on his ability to turn into a really solid player down the line.

Team Barkley: Landry Fields, G/F, New York Knicks

Fields was struggling with his confidence early in the season, but he's turned it on and is showing the promise that he did last season.

He doesn't fill up the stat sheet, but he can contribute in a litany of areas and is a good glue-guy to have on a mixed squad.

Team Shaq: Tiago Splitter, F/C, San Antonio Spurs

Splitter has been doing a lot good stuff for the Spurs this season in limited action, and it's nice to see him get noticed with an inclusion here.

He's learning how to find success beneath the basket, but he's going to get tossed around in this one against bigger opposition unless he's unafraid to play with some gusto.

Team Barkley: Tristan Thompson, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

Thompson's limited role with the Cavs hasn't allowed him to do as much as he's capable of, but that could change in this game.

He's a shot-blocking machine and could challenge a Griffin dunk at the rim if the two are on the court at the same time.

Team Shaq: Derrick Williams, F, Minnesota Timberwolves

The caged lion has been freed to play here, and Williams' rookie season has been masked by inconsistent playing time to date.

He can make an impression in front of a national audience with a strong game.

Team Barkley: Kemba Walker, G, Charlotte Bobcats

No disrespect to Mr. Walker, but there are a ton of point guards in the pool.

He's already got a triple-double on his resume, but his volume shooting is really not doing a lot for the development of his all-around game.