This should be interesting, and I’ll make the US team the favorites right now by -7.5.
BA is changing the format of the Rising Stars Challenge, the All-Star weekend event that features the league’s best rookies and second-year players. In a format that is sure to intrigue viewers with opinions on AAU vs International play, the teams will be split into players who hail from the United States vs. players who natives of other countries.
NBA announces Rising Stars Challenge will be US vs. World this year, which means Wiggins, Dieng & maybe Bennett will play for the bad guys
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) January 21, 2015
The world team is likely to feature Andrew Wiggins, Atlanta Hawks second year point guard Dennis Schroder, Utah Jazz second year center Rudy Gobert, Jazz rookie point guard Dante Exum, Milwaukee Bucks second year forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bulls rookie forward Nikola Mirotic, for starters.
The US team would likely feature Brooklyn Nets big man Mason Plumlee, Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo. Kings second-year guard Ben McLemore, Celtics rookie guard Marcus Smart, 76ers rookie forward K.J. McDaniels and teammates Micheal Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel as well. Injuries will keep out Jabari Parker, Aaron Gordon and Julius Randle.
