Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe emerged as the top draft picks for the Rising Stars Challenge, highlighting the strength of the 2025 NBA draft class. These players were selected first through fourth in the draft held during NBC’s pregame show for the 76ers-Bucks game in Philadelphia.
NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony chose Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg as the top pick. Following Flagg, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel was selected second by Tracy McGrady. The next picks were Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe and New Orleans Pelicans forward Derik Queen.
Rising Stars Teams Overview
The three Rising Stars teams drafted feature a mix of high-potential rookies and sophomores from various franchises:
-
Team Melo (Carmelo Anthony)
- Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
- Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
- Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)
- Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors)
-
Team T-Mac (Tracy McGrady)
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
- Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat)
- Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards)
- Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)
- Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Cam Spencer (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Team Vince (Vince Carter)
- VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards)
- Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
- Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets)
- Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
A fourth team, composed of G League standouts and some first-rounders from the recent draft, includes Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen (#16 pick) and Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (#30 pick). It also features players on two-way contracts such as David Jones Garcia (Spurs) and Ron Harper Jr. (Boston Celtics).
Rising Stars Challenge Format
The four teams will compete in a three-game mini-tournament during the All-Star festivities at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The winners of the initial two games will face off in a third contest to determine the overall champion, scheduled for February 13.
This year’s Rising Stars Challenge continues to showcase the league’s brightest young talents, offering a glimpse of future NBA stars. The combination of first-round draft picks, sophomores, and G League players ensures a competitive and entertaining event for fans and scouts alike.
Read more at: www.espn.com
