The Stage is Set: Rising Stars Ready for Los Angeles Showcase
The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles will host the electric Castrol Rising Stars challenge on All-Star Friday, February 13th. This highly anticipated event brings together the brightest young talent from the NBA and the G League in a dynamic mini-tournament format.
Twenty-eight players – 10 rookies, 11 second-year stars, and 7 G League standouts – will battle it out. Legends Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, and Vince Carter will coach alongside broadcaster Austin Rivers, each leading a squad through intense semifinal games to reach 40 points, before a 25-point target decides the championship.
Parsing the Rising Stars Snubs: Who Missed the Cut?
Despite the excitement, the announcement always brings its share of "Rising Snubs." Notably, four lottery picks from the last draft didn't make the initial cut. Ace Bailey of the Utah Jazz, the fifth overall selection, headlines this group as the highest-drafted player overlooked.
He's joined by Phoenix Suns' Khaman Maluach (No. 10), Chicago Bulls' Noa Essengue (No. 12), and San Antonio Spurs' Carter Bryant (No. 14). Other consistent performers on the Rookie Ladder, like Sacramento Kings' Maxime Raynaud, were also left off, fueling fan debate across social media.
The Unsung Hero: Hugo González's Historic Impact
Perhaps the most baffling omission is Boston Celtics rookie Hugo González. Despite ranking lower in traditional stats, the 19-year-old Spaniard boasts an astounding +219 plus/minus rating, second only to teammate **Derrick White** on the dominant Celtics roster.
This isn't just a strong rookie showing; González is on pace to achieve the third-best rookie plus/minus impact in NBA history, trailing only legends Tim Duncan and current OKC star Chet Holmgren. His impactful play, even in limited minutes, proves that statistics don't always tell the whole story, making his exclusion a head-scratcher for many.
Rookie Ladder Royalty: Knueppel, Flagg, and Edgecombe Hold Strong
The top three spots on the Kia Rookie Ladder remain unchanged, showcasing the consistent dominance of these young stars. They are undoubtedly the standard-bearers for their draft class.
1.Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
Season Stats: 18.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.6 apg
The Charlotte Hornets are riding a wave of success, fueled by Kon Knueppel's stellar play and the team's impressive 8-5 January record. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst even likened Knueppel's elusive, off-ball movement to that of Stephen Curry, praising his game-changing impact beyond just scoring.
2.Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Season Stats: 18.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.1 apg
Cooper Flagg continues to prove why he was the No. 1 pick, showcasing incredible clutch capabilities. He's the only player in the entire NBA to rank in the Top 10 for clutch points, rebounds (where he's first among all players), and assists. This consistent late-game performance highlights his immense value to the Dallas Mavericks, even as he battles a tender left ankle.
3.VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
Season Stats: 15.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.2 apg
VJ Edgecombe's selection as a Rising Star even earned him a congratulatory shout-out from the Prime Minister of his native Bahamas! His consistent two-way play and leadership for the Philadelphia 76ers are not just being noticed domestically but are inspiring a new generation globally, as the Prime Minister noted on X.
Movers and Shakers: Coward Climbs, Queen Slips
The middle of the Rookie Ladder saw some shifts, with players like Cedric Coward making a significant jump while others experienced a slight dip despite strong overall seasons.
4.Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies
Season Stats: 13.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.8 apg
Climbing a spot, Cedric Coward has been a revelation for the Memphis Grizzlies. He'll be joining Grizzlies teammates Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer at the Rising Stars event. While his 3-point shooting was hot last week (6-of-14), his efficiency inside the arc (9-of-25) indicates areas for continued growth.
5.Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans
Season Stats: 12.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.3 apg
Despite a slight dip in the rankings, Derik Queen remains a force for the New Orleans Pelicans. NBA legend Dominique Wilkins lauded Queen's unique skillset, size, speed, and fearless demeanor, calling them "rare qualities for a guy his age." A recent rough shooting week saw him combine for 4-of-15 from the field, but his potential is undeniable.
The Next Wave: Undrafted Gems and Sharpshooters
The depth of this rookie class is evident in the next five players on the ladder, featuring an undrafted phenom and a record-tying sharpshooter.
6.Caleb Love, Portland Trail Blazers
Season Stats: 11.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.6 apg
Undrafted but playing like a lottery pick! Caleb Love has shattered any doubts about his pro potential. Damian Lillard himself nicknamed Love a "Top 10 pick," a testament to his impressive play. He's been on a tear in January, averaging 15.4 points on 36.2% 3-point shooting.
7.Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings
Season Stats: 9.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.1 apg
The Kings' second-round gem, Maxime Raynaud, has seen his playing time squeezed recently with the return of Domantas Sabonis. Despite the reduced minutes and production last week, his overall impact this season keeps him firmly on the ladder.
8.Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans
Season Stats: 13.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3 apg
While Jeremiah Fears carries the highest minus/plus rating in the Class of 2025 (-292), his individual statistics reveal a versatile player. He ranks highly in steals (second), total points (third), free throws made (fourth), minutes (fourth), and assists (sixth), showcasing a broad impact beyond traditional efficiency metrics.
9.Egor Dëmin, Brooklyn Nets
Season Stats: 10.4 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.4 apg
Egor Dëmin of the Brooklyn Nets is rewriting the record books with his sharpshooting. He's matched a rookie record with 33 consecutive games hitting at least one 3-pointer, converting at an impressive 40.7% from deep during that scorching stretch.
T-10. Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards
Season Stats: 13.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.2 apg
Making a significant jump onto the ladder, Tre Johnson led all rookies with a remarkable 22.5 ppg last week. He'll represent the Washington Wizards in the Rising Stars game alongside teammates Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, highlighting a promising young core.
T-10. Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz
Season Stats: 11.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 apg
Despite his Rising Stars snub, Ace Bailey is back in the starting lineup for the Utah Jazz, a role where he thrives. He averages a much-improved 13.1 points on 47.2% shooting (36.4% from three) as a starter, compared to his bench numbers, underscoring his importance when given a primary role.
Duke Reunion: Knueppel vs. Flagg Showdown Looms
Fans are circling their calendars for Thursday when former college teammates and current top Rookie Ladder contenders, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets and Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks, will clash for the first time as NBA rivals. This highly anticipated matchup at the American Airlines Center will offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of the league, even as Flagg manages a nagging left ankle. Expect fireworks when these two former Duke Blue Devils go head-to-head.
