What to Know About the NBA’s Rising Stars Rookies

A talented pool of NBA rookies will take the floor this Friday night.

Arya Chawla | Feb 12, 2024

What to Know About the NBA’s Rising Stars Rookies /

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Currently well into February, the NBA has moved past its halfway point. As the NFL season concludes, more eyes will now turn towards the NBA, whose All-Star events looms this weekend.

NBA fans will get a chance to watch their favorite rookies during the Rising Stars game on Friday night. For this match, four basketball legends drafted from a pool of 11 NBA rookies, 10 sophomores and seven G League players:

Jalen Rose, Pau Gasol and Tamika Catchings drafted their teams today for the 2024 Panini Rising Stars. Each legend selected seven players from the pool of 21 NBA rookies and sophomores. Detlef Schrempf will lead the team of seven NBA G League players.

The Rising Stars rosters ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/BqD3iFYwja
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 6, 2024

Among these G League players include NBA Draft prospects Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, Tyler Smith and Izan Almansa from G League Ignite.

In terms of NBA rookies, each selection brings a unique skill-set to the table.

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

The No. 1 overall pick, Wembanyama is one of the leaders for the Rookie of the Year award, and rightfully so. He uses his 7-foot-4 frame and sharp skill-set to play a brand of basketball never seen before.

Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

The other Rookie of the Year leader, Holmgren dominates on the defensive end with fluid movement skills and stout rim protection instincts. Offensively, he efficiently finishes plays both within and beyond the arc.

Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets

In the midst of an incredible stretch of basketball, Miller perplexes defenses with his blend of handling expertise and pristine shooting touch while standing at 6-foot-9.

Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers

A rare athlete, Henderson excels at using his speed and handle to get downhill and pressure the rim. He’s a skilled distributor of the ball and budding mid-range maestro.

Jaime Jaquez, Miami Heat — Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

Defying the expectations of many, Jaquez Jr. has emerged as one of the NBA’s top rookies due to a polished scoring arsenal and NBA-ready physicality.

Dereck Lively, Dallas Mavericks — Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks

Lively II thrives as the Mavericks’ starting center with his string rim protection and play finishing on the interior.

Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors

A savvy guard, Podziemski uses his craft and smarts to impact the game in many ways on both ends for the Warriors.

Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans

The best shooter in his draft class, Hawkins puts defenses into binds with his mind-boggling movement shooting expertise.

Cason Wallace, OKC Thunder — © D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder

A steady rotation guard, Wallace helps a talented Thunder squad with sound defense and three-point shooting.

Keyonte George, Utah Jazz

George beats defenses with advanced scoring skill, particularly with his pull-up shooting. He also serves as one of the best rookies in terms of passing the ball.

Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards

A lengthy wing, Coulibaly makes ripples on the defensive end with his physical tools and activity.

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Published Feb 12, 2024

ARYA CHAWLA

Arya is an NBA & NBA Draft analyst from Boston, Massachusetts. He has produced content on specific players and teams as well as general basketball philosophy.