The NBA announced the Rising Stars Challenge rosters for next month’s All-Star weekend in Toronto and Myles Turner was left off.
The format being U.S. versus World for the second consecutive year didn’t help the Pacers’ 2015 first-round pick, and missing 21 games due to a chip fracture in his non-shooting hand delayed his ascension.20 first- and second-year players were named to the rosters, 10 from the United States and 10 from elsewhere. In my opinion, the game is best of all when the rookies and sophomores square off for bragging rights, as they had from 2000-2011.
Turner has had a strong month and is coming off the best week of his infant pro career. Over the last six games, he has averaged 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game (in 25.9 minutes). And, he’s shooting 63 percent from the field.
Turner, who’s just 19, had hoped to be a participant in the game this February.
“Definitely, it’s been a goal of mine,” Turner said Tuesday night. “Missing 20 games or so might hurt me but it’s definitely a goal.”
Paul George will be on hand for NBA All-Star Weekend 2016 in Toronto because he was voted an East All-Star starter for the second time. The face of the Indiana Fever, Tamika Catchings, will be up there along with her teammate Natalie Achonwa, who will be playing in the Celebrity Game — which precedes the Rising Stars Challenge.
Rosters are chosen by NBA assistant coaches, selecting four guards, four frontcourt players, and two players at either position for each team. They were required to have at least three rookies and three sophomores on each team.
We Gon See…
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) January 27, 2016
I know my bro @Original_Turner should of made that Rising star list. Keep Ya head up bro We will show who are the best rookies this year!!🔋🔋
— Joe Young (@JoeyBuckets3) January 27, 2016
The game is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 12 from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The World Team won last season, 121-112.
U.S. Team: Jordan Clarkson (Lakers), Rodney Hood (Jazz), Zach LaVine (Timberwolves), Nerlens Noel (76ers), Jahlil Okafor (76ers), Jabari Parker (Bucks), Elfird Payton (Magic), D’Angelo Russell (Lakers), Marcus Smart (Celtics), and Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves).
World Team: Bojan Bogdanovic (Nets), Clint Capela (Rockets), Mario Hezonja (Magic), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Nikola Mirotic (Bulls), Emmanuel Mudiay (Nuggets), Raul Neto (Jazz), Kristaps Porzingis (Knights), Dwight Powell (Mavericks), Andrew Wiggins (Timberwolves).