It was (absolutely not) the most anticipated event of the night since the NBA community had clearly spent the day (not at all) discussing the subject. In the most total excitement therefore (still not), the NBA unveiled this night the rosters of the next Rising Stars which will oppose 24 first and second year players as well as, new for 2022, four kids from Team Ignite in the G League.
To begin with, know that the rosters for this long-awaited match on Friday February 18 were therefore formed via a Draft managed by the four coaches of the four teams who are going to do battle. Rick Barry, Gary Payton, Isiah Thomas and James Worthy had fun playing the nice GMs and this little game there it is Anthony Edwards who has offered himself a second first pick in two years, while Evan Mobley, LaMelo Ball and Cole Anthony complete the set of first picks. Cade Cunningham is down to seed 7 and Jalen Green to rank 12, while Tyrese Maxey is clearly the least respected of the band with his pick 21 and that among the toddlers of Team Ignite, chosen last, it is the famous MarJon Beauchamp who plays the role of the little big guy with glasses chosen last. Did we really come close to going on an analysis of the Rising Stars Draft at 2:13 a.m.? We’ll leave you alone as judges, but know in any case that these four teams will fight each other throughout a tournament, again innovative, which will offer two semi-finals and a final in the Elam Ending mode which has proven itself for two years in the match of the big ones, all embellished with a small shooting contest but all that we explain to you in length, in width and across right here.
For the purists know in any case that you will be able to appreciate the offerings of LaMelo Ball for Scottie Barnes, those of Cade Cunningham for Evan Mobley, the follies of the duo Anthony Edwards / Tyrese Haliburton or those of the trio of artists Josh Giddey / Jalen Green / Jalen Suggs, while Fanbo Zeng and Michael Foster Jr. (Ignite) will challenge Desmond Bane, Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte, Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley and Josh Guddey on the shooting contest. A good little party between friends and probably without any seriousness in the program, but let’s say that it passes because it’s been a few years now that we drew a line under any hope on that side.
The traditional Rising Stars is getting a makeover this season and the present set has everything to offer us a magnificent aperitif during All-Star Weekend. Not the most disputed match(es) of the year but a few good bars and a few big highlights in perspective, that’s all we want, that’s all we like to warm us up in February.
