February 16, 2012
The teams are set for the Rising Stars Challenge, which starts the 2012 All-Star Weekend. As announced last week, Pacers guard/forward Paul George was selected to participate in the annual event.
This season, the NBA will introduce a new format to a game that has historically featured rookies facing off against sophomores. For the first time, rookies and sophomores will be mixed together with teams selected by general managers Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal. Kenny Smith will serve as the honorary Commissioner.
Thursday night, the Rising Stars Challenge Draft was held. Before the draft started, Commissioner Smith decided to add Heat rookie Norris Cole and Knicks sophomore Jeremy Lin to the roster pool.
Paul George will join #TeamChuck after being selected sixth by Charles Barkley. George will team up with Cavs guard Kyrie Irving, Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, and Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, among others. See below for both squads.
DeMarcus Cousins – Sacramento Kings (Sophomore)
Paul George – Indiana Pacers (Sophomore)
Derrick Williams – Minnesota Timberwolves (Rookie)
MarShon Brooks – New Jersey Nets (Rookie)
John Wall – Washington Wizards (Sophomore)
Gordon Hayward – Utah Jazz (Sophomore)
Tiago Splitter – San Antonio Spurs (Sophomore)
Kawhi Leonard – San Antonio Spurs (Rookie)
Evan Turner – Philadelphia 76ers (Sophomore)
Blake Griffin – Los Angeles Clippers (Sophomore)
Jeremy Lin – New York Knicks (Sophomore)
Ricky Rubio – Minnesota Timberwolves (Rookie)
Greg Monroe – Detroit Pistons (Sophomore)
Markieff Morris – Phoenix Suns (Rookie)
Kemba Walker – Charlotte Bobcats (Rookie)
Landry Fields – New York Knicks (Sophomore)
Norris Cole – Miami Heat (Rookie)
Brandon Knight – Detroit Pistons (Rookie)
Tristan Thompson – Cleveland Cavaliers (Rookie)
Also, as announced by the league Thursday, Paul George will participate in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. To celebrate this accomplishment, Pacers fans can get tickets in Section 109 or 112 of the Krieg DeVault Club Level for select games scheduled after All-Star Weekend. Click here to purchase this great offer. It is limited and subject to availability.