Rising Stars Challenge 2012: Young Studs We'd Rather See in Action

Team Shaq and Team Chuck are already pretty stacked for tonight's NBA Rookie Challenge, but that doesn't mean they couldn't use some more young studs.

Shaq, for one, doesn't have quite enough point guards.

Here's a look at players we would have liked to see added to the roster this year. 

Warning: It's mostly guards because, well, they are usually more exciting to watch in games like these.

Unless your name is Blake Griffin.

Isaiah Thomas, PG, Sacramento Kings (Rookie)

He isn't quite on Mr. Jeremy Lin's level, but Thomas has seen a similar uptick in value lately.

Since taking over as starting point guard last week, IT has averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 3.0 treys per game.

Not too shabby for the last overall pick in the draft last June.

It goes beyond his numbers, though.

Thomas is insanely quick and explosive, he's exciting to watch, he is constantly hustling and most importantly, he's short. All-Star games are perfect for short guys, especially when they can dunk (see above).

Klay Thompson, SG, Golden State Warriors (Rookie)

Sticking with the "College in Washington, Pro Ball in California" theme, we move to Klay Thompson. 

The WSU grad isn't necessarily the most exciting player, but he can score in a hurry. He only gets about 17 minutes per game, but still manages to knock down more than a three per contest and shoots an impressive 45 percent from deep.

I don't think there's any question that he is the best shooter in this rookie class (okay, Andrew Goudelock might have something to say about that), and that alone should warrant him a spot.

In a game like this that will involve a lot of driving and kicking, Thompson could drop 40.

Timofey Mozgov, C, Denver Nuggets (Sophomore)

Only if he's on the opposite team of Blake Griffin, because I want to see him try to get his chance at revenge. 

Greivis Vasquez, PG, New Orleans Hornets (Sophomore)

Since coming on for the injured Jarrett Jack in late January, Vasquez has been absolutely terrific.

In the month of February, he is averaging 12.6 points, 7.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds and is shooting 45 percent from deep.

But the real reason he should be in this game is because he's very tall for a point guard at 6'6". If Team Shaq got a hold of him, it could conceivably roll out a lineup of five point guards.

Kemba Walker at the 1, Brandon Knight at the 2, Jeremy Lin at the 3, Ricky Rubio at the 4 (he's super long) and Vasquez at the 5.

How fun would that be? Answer: a lot of fun.

Other Options

Jordan Crawford, SG, Washington (Sophomore): He can score with the best of them, but takes about 27 shots to do it.

Nikola Pekovic, C, Minnesota Timberwolves (Sophomore): He has been a machine as of late, but isn't a great option for the All-Star game.

Kenneth Faried, PF, Denver Nuggets (Rookie): Total energy player. He would probably dominate in a high-pace game like this. Plus, he has dreadlocks.