The NBA has officially pulled back the curtain on the next generation of hardwood greatness. On Wednesday, the league announced the official NBA Rising Stars player pool for next month’s festivities, and the list is headlined by none other than Dallas Mavericks sensation Cooper Flagg. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the season, as the league’s most promising young talents prepare to showcase their skills on the global stage during All-Star Weekend.
This year’s player pool is a curated collection of 28 athletes who represent the future of the sport. The roster is divided into three distinct categories: 10 high-impact rookies, 11 sophomores who have already begun to cement their status as nightly contributors, and seven standout performers from the NBA G League. Notably, every single rookie selected for the event was a lottery pick in this past June’s draft, underscoring the immediate impact the 2025 class has had on the professional landscape.
The Rookie Revolution Led by Cooper Flagg
It comes as no surprise that the NBA Rising Stars player pool is anchored by Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks forward has lived up to the immense pre-draft hype, displaying a versatile two-way game that has transformed the Dallas rotation. Joining Flagg in the rookie cohort are fellow lottery picks who have quickly become household names. Among the notable selections are Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards, Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets, and the San Antonio Spurs’ defensive anchor Stephon Castle.
The rookie class also features a deep bench of talent including Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers), Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls), and Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards). These players have not only shown flashes of brilliance but have earned significant minutes on their respective rosters. The inclusion of Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat) and Jaylen Wells (Charlotte Hornets) further highlights the depth of the most recent draft, with both players providing critical production for teams vying for playoff positioning.
Sophomore Stars and G League Standouts
While the rookies often grab the headlines, the sophomore group in the player pool represents the bridge between potential and established stardom. Eleven second-year players have been tapped for the event, many of whom are already leading their teams in key statistical categories. This group brings a level of experience and physicality that often dictates the pace of the Rising Stars Challenge. Players from organizations like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to play major roles in the tournament format.
In addition to the NBA mainstays, the league continues its tradition of honoring the developmental pipeline by including seven players from the G League. This year’s G League representatives include high-upside prospects such as Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, and Kon Knueppel. These athletes, along with Derik Queen and Egor Demin, have used the G League platform to refine their games and prove they belong among the world's elite. The inclusion of international prospects like Yang Hansen also points to the increasingly global nature of the NBA’s talent search.
Complete List of Rising Stars Participants
- Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg
- Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George
- Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard
- San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle
- Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan
- Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis
- Miami Heat: Kel'el Ware
- Charlotte Hornets: Jaylen Wells
- G League/Prospects: Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Derik Queen, Egor Demin, Yang Hansen, Tre Johnson
- Additional Notables: Jaylon Tyson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Ajay Mitchell, Cam Spencer
The Road to All-Star Weekend
The Rising Stars Challenge has evolved into one of the most competitive segments of the NBA’s mid-season break. By grouping the NBA Rising Stars player pool into teams—often coached by NBA legends—the league creates a high-stakes environment that moves away from the traditional exhibition style. The presence of players like Tristen Newton, Alijah Martin, and Sean East II ensures that the competition will be fierce, as these athletes look to make a lasting impression on scouts and fans alike.
As the league descends upon the host city next month, all eyes will be on how these young stars interact. For fans of the Dallas Mavericks, seeing Cooper Flagg lead this group is a sign of a bright future. For the league at large, the 2026 Rising Stars player pool is a testament to the success of current scouting and developmental programs. With a mix of lottery pedigree and G League grit, this year's event is set to be a definitive showcase of the NBA's next era.
Sources & Original Reporting
