NBA All-Star Weekend is just a couple of weeks away. With it comes several annual competitions that basketball fans have become quite fond of over the years. One such event is what used to be a single game. Well, at least one, considering the league’s plans to transform the All-Star Game into an All-Star Tournament. In fact, the All-Star Game’s fresh format is actually pretty similar to the Rising Stars’ tournament.
NBA All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars Replacements Revealed
With that in mind, the NBA recently revealed the four young players who have been selected as the Rising Stars injury replacements: Orlando Magic guard-forward Anthony Black , Portland Trail Blazers swingman Toumani Camara , Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn , and Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson .
Each of those players are regarded as elite at the defensive end, or near to it. With the low target scores in the Rising Stars games, that could become particularly important.
It’s worth noting that the league specified Dunn is replacing Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain . McCain was the 2025 Rookie of the Year frontrunner before suffering a season-ending meniscus injury . Black, Camara, and Thompson will be replacing three sophomores: Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II , Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller , and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama .
Unlike Lively and Miller, who are out for the season due to injury, Wembanyama is healthy. However, “with the two events connected this year, he will only compete for one of the three teams of NBA All-Stars in the NBA All-Star Game.” Wembanyama was among the players who were named All-Star reserves this week.
Breaking Down The Format
Here’s how the Rising Stars event will go.
On All-Star Weekend’s opening night (Feb. 14), four teams will be split into two first-round matchups.
One team will be composed of seven G League players: Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung , Maine Celtics guard JD Davison , Rip City Remix wing Bryce McGowens , Iowa Wolves forward Leonard Miller , Mexico City Capitanes guard Dink Pate , Rio Grande Valley Vipers guard Reed Sheppard , and Santa Cruz Warriors guard Pat Spencer .
Honestly, calling them G League players might be a misnomer. Aside from Reed (the 2024 No. 3 pick) and Pate, a 2025 NBA Draft prospect, each of them are currently on two-way contracts.
In any case, that team will face at least one three other teams, all of which will be composed of players from the Rising Stars pool. The winner of those games will then play against each other in the Rising Stars Championship. Of note, the target score is 40 points in the first round and 25 points in the championship. The winner of the final round will earn a spot in the All-Star Tournament. Hence, why Wembanyama can’t join a Rising Stars team.
© Soobum Im-Imagn Images
The post NBA All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars Replacements appeared first on Last Word On Basketball .