Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson have been selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge, previously known as the Rookie/Sophomore game. This year, things are going to be a little different in how the teams are picked:
This year, a new format is being implemented to a game that has historically featured NBA rookies facing off against sophomores. For the first time, rookies and sophomores will be mixed together on teams. TNT analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal will serve as the general managers of the two opposing teams – TEAM CHUCK and TEAM SHAQ – each with nine man rosters, drafted from the aforementioned pool. TNT’s Kenny Smith will serve as the honorary Commissioner and Ernie Johnson will host the live BBVA Rising Stars Challenge Draft on Thursday, Feb. 16, on NBA TV at 7 p.m. ET.
Irving and Thompson’s inclusion shouldn’t come as a surprise. Irving is one of the favorites for rookie of the year, and when he was healthy, Thompson was a rookie who was making his impact felt. The Cavaliers have had success in this game in the past, with both Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Daniel Gibson taking home MVP honors. We’ll see if either Irving or Thompson can follow in their footsteps.