NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2016: Rosters, Snubs, Predictions for USA vs. World
Although there won't quite be the name recognition as the actual All-Star Game on Sunday, the NBA Rising Stars Challenge represents the future of the sport.
The 20 best first- and second-year players in the league will battle in a matchup between homegrown products and international stars. Some of them have a chance to make an impact down the line in their careers, while others are already key contributors on their team.
All of them can become household names, and it will all start Friday at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
Rosters
| Player | Pos. | Team |
| Jordan Clarkson | G | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Rodney Hood | G | Utah Jazz |
| Zach LaVine | G | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Nerlens Noel | F/C | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Jahlil Okafor | C | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Jabari Parker | F | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Elfrid Payton | G | Orlando Magic |
| D'Angelo Russell | G | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Marcus Smart | G | Boston Celtics |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | C | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Player | Pos. | Team |
| Bojan Bogdanovic | G/F | Brooklyn Nets |
| Clint Capela | F/C | Houston Rockets |
| Mario Hezonja | G/F | Orlando Magic |
| Nikola Jokic | C | Denver Nuggets |
| Trey Lyles | F | Utah Jazz |
| Emmanuel Mudiay | G | Denver Nuggets |
| Raul Neto | G | Utah Jazz |
| Kristaps Porzingis | F/C | New York Knicks |
| Dwight Powell | F/C | Dallas Mavericks |
| Andrew Wiggins | G | Minnesota Timberwolves |
Arguably the most notable players in the showcase will be the Minnesota Timberwolves trio of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine. Wiggins is already a star with a team-leading 20.7 points per game, while Towns is one of the favorites for Rookie of the Year with 16.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. The two No. 1 overall picks have certainly lived up to expectations.
Meanwhile, LaVine doesn't always put up huge numbers but is consistently capable of a big play with his athleticism.
The Los Angeles Lakers are also well-represented with D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson playing on the U.S. team. Head coach Byron Scott was proud of his players but also noted this is just a stepping stone, per Jovan Buha of ESPN.com:
"I think it says a lot of people see a lot of promise in them, that they've had a pretty good season so far. But what it tells me is that they still have a ways to go. They have to continue to work. You don't want to stop at the Rookie-Sophomore Game. You want to get to an All-Star Game. Hopefully that's those guys' dream and ambition. Hopefully they can pull that off in the next few years.
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One of the most notable players on the World team will be Kristaps Porzingis, who has quickly become a fan favorite for the New York Knicks with big numbers and highlight-reel plays. Although he was a bit of an unknown on draft day, the forward was ready to make an impact much earlier than many anticipated, and he will remain a major draw going forward.
With Nikola Jokic, Jahlil Okafor, Jabari Parker and others also set to participate, this should be a fun matchup to kick off All-Star Weekend.
Snubs
There are a handful of Kentucky players on the rosters in Towns, Nerlens Noel and Trey Lyles, but Wildcats fans might be a bit upset to see Devin Booker and Julius Randle not in attendance. Randle is now averaging a double-double for the Lakers, while Booker has become the three-point ace many were expecting coming into the year.
At least Booker, 19, gets a chance make history as the youngest participant ever in the three-point contest on Saturday.
Rookie wings Stanley Johnson and Justise Winslow were also left off the rosters, although Winslow doesn't appear to be too upset about it, per Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald:
Winslow doesn't have great offensive numbers, but he has been an excellent defender and rebounder this year. Johnson also continues to get better as the year goes along.
Players like Aaron Gordon and Myles Turner are also likely upset about missing out on an invite, although Gordon will get his chance to shine in the dunk contest.
Prediction
The U.S. team certainly looks deeper with Towns, Okafor and Noel in the frontcourt to go with Clarkson, Marcus Smart and Elfrid Payton rotating in the backcourt. Everyone on the roster has tons of upside and could create some exciting plays throughout the game.
However, the World team might be even better with a few key players who can take control of the action. Wiggins has become one of the top scorers in the NBA in his second year in the league and can thrive in a wide-open game like this.
Porzingis also could star in this matchup after receiving high praise from Magic Johnson on ESPN's Mike and Mike:
Emmanuel Mudiay has also been impressive in his first year in the league, while Clint Capela, Bojan Bogdanovic and others will help out as well.
It should be an exciting back-and-forth battle throughout, but look for the key players on the international squad to help pull away while Wiggins takes home the MVP in Toronto.
Prediction: World 142, United States 133
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