Rookie Report: Representation at NBA All-Star Weekend

Which rookies will be in Salt Lake City participating in events this weekend?

The NBA All-Star break is officially here, as the top players around the league head to Salt Lake City to participate in various events. 

While there weren't any rookies that made the official All-Star team, we will get the chance to see ten different rookies compete this weekend. Over the course of two events, the future faces of the league will have a chance to shine. 

2023 Jordan Rising Stars

The first event is one that includes the best young players in the NBA, along with the top G League athletes. As such, ten rookies got the nod to compete in this unique three team competition on Friday night.

• Paolo Banchero (Magic)
• Benedict Mathurin (Pacers)
• Jaden Ivey (Pistons)
• Keegan Murray (Kings)
• Andrew Nembhard (Pacers)
• AJ Griffin (Hawks)
• Jalen Williams (Thunder)
• Jeremy Sochan (Spurs)
• Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets)
• Jalen Duren (Pistons)*
• Tari Eason (Rockets)*

*In what was a late fill-in, Eason will be taking the place of Duren in the event.

These ten rookies and the other participants were put into a pool and drafted leading up to the event. These teams will face off in a bracket style event and one winner will be crowned. 

• Game 1: Team A vs. Team B
• Game 2: Team C vs. Team D
• Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2

All three games will be played to a Final Target Score, meaning the game will end on a made basket or free throw rather than time expiring. The two semifinal games will be played to a Final Target Score of 40 and the championship will be played to a Final Target Score of 25.

This will be a great opportunity to see who all of the NBA's best rookies in one night.

2023 Kia Skills Challenge

The second event in which we will get the chance to see rookies compete will be on Saturday night in a competition that will put their skills to the test. In a three-round competition with three teams of three players, the team with the most ”Challenge Points” after three rounds will be the champion.

Three first-year players that will also be in the event the night before will represent the rookie team in this challenge. 

• Jabari Smith Jr.
• Paolo Banchero
• Jaden Ivey

The three rounds will consist of a relay, a passing competition and a shooting drill.

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