NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2015: TV Info, Start Time, Rosters and More
The 2015 NBA All-Star Game promises to be a tremendous show of athleticism, but the next line will be on display Friday night. Some of the brightest stars have come out of the Rising Stars Challenge, and this year appears to be no different.
This year, similar to the Triple-A All-Star Game in baseball, the NBA has decided to pit the USA against the World. Rather than having a fantasy-style draft, Andrew Wiggins and Giannis Antetokounmpo will throw down against Michael Carter-Williams and Zach LaVine.
It causes an interesting battle between teammates, especially with Wiggins and LaVine. Both rookies have emerged this year as two of the brightest young players in the game, but it's Wiggins that has gained much of the attention.
Before the exciting showcase tips off Friday night, here's a look at the game information and a prediction for the game's MVP.
Game Information
What: BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge
When: Friday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. ET
Where: Barclays Center
TV: TNT
| Nerlens Noel | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Zach LaVine | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Victor Oladipo | Orlando Magic |
| Cody Zeller | Charlotte Hornets |
| Mason Plumlee | Brooklyn Nets |
| Michael Carter-Williams | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Trey Burke | Utah Jazz |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Detroit Pistons |
| Shabazz Muhammad | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Elfrid Payton | Orlando Magic |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Steven Adams | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Gorgui Dieng | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Andrew Wiggins | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Bojan Bogdanovic | Brooklyn Nets |
| Matthew Dellavedova | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Dante Exum | Utah Jazz |
| Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz |
| Nikola Mirotic | Chicago Bulls |
| Dennis Schroder | Atlanta Hawks |
MVP Prediction: Andrew Wiggins, World
Coming into the NBA as the No. 1 pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wiggins had a tough first offseason; however, he has now found a home with the Minnesota Timberwolves and has quickly become, well, a rising star in the sport.
The former Kansas forward is already making Minnesota fans forget about Kevin Love. In fact, he's also drawn praise from some of the best basketball minds in the sport, per the T-Wolves' official account:
Before he was taken by the Cavs and eventually traded to the Timberwolves, Wiggins was already tabbed as a future All-Star. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr's comments provide more fuel to the fire for Wiggins, but he's still a player that has a lot of expectations coming into the break.
Let's just say the hype was warranted.
At just 19 years old, Wiggins is averaging 15.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Those numbers are sure to go up with his play in February, pulling down 5.7 rebounds on average. This comes after winning Rookie of the Month for January:
Along with being the top rookie to start off 2015, he's also been the best all season, as USA Today points out:
What can he do to put an exclamation point on his phenomenal start to his career? Shine on the All-Star stage as a rising star and lead the World team to a victory.
Do all of that, and he might just take home the MVP honors for the illustrious game. Like the long line of players, including Kyrie Irving, John Wall, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony, that have won it before him, what comes next for Wiggins is superstar status.
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