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The NBA annouced the rosters for the All-Star weekend Risings Stars game which is a collection of rookies and sophomore players divided into U.S. and World teams to play on Friday, Feb. 12 in Toronto.
Pacers big man, Myles Turner certainly fits the description of an NBA rising star which he's displayed with a productive outburst over the past five games, but the rook did not make the cut. Unfortunately, the break-out effort from Turner was too late to attract the attention of NBA assistant coaches who voted on the team, although I'm sure there are a few assistants from Denver, Phoenix, Golden State and Sacramento who wished they could change their ballot.
Here is the group of players as announced by the NBA on Wednesday.
The U.S. roster consists of Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel (76ers), Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell (Lakers), Rodney Hood (Jazz), Jabari Parker (Bucks), Elfrid Payton (Magic), Marcus Smart (Celtics), Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine.
The World roster is Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks), Bojan Bogdanovic (Nets), Clint Capela (Rockets), Mario Hezonja (Magic), Nikola Jokic and Emmanuel Mudiay (Nuggets), Nikola Mirotic (Bulls), Raul Neto (Jazz), Andrew Wiggins and Dwight Powell.
At least for Turner, the consoloation prize of more rest is never a bad thing around the All-Star break. As I discussed with Phil Naessens on the latest episode of The Phil Naessens Show, Turner's time will come to shine on All-Star weekends in the future if the 19-year-old continues to build on his recent success. Check out the podcast!
While Turner's head-turning play was too late for the Rising Stars vote, he is garnering notice around the league. The latest rookie rankings on CBS Sports include Turner at No. 7 which is a nice jump for the No. 11 overall pick.
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers vs Hawks | Indiana Pacers
Start Myles Turner? It's Complicated | Indiana Pacers
NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Pacers' Myles Turner showing lots of promise - CBSSports.com
Pacers search for lost 3-point touch
Lance Stephenson enjoys talk ‘about the old times’ with Paul George, George Hill | Vigilant Sports
Hawks vs Pacers preview: Atlanta looks to bounce back against slumping Pacers - Peachtree Hoops
Hawks fall just short in 85-83 loss to Clippers - Peachtree Hoops
Weekly NBA rookie power rankings: Turner emerging, Kaminsky struggling
Bulls' Nikola Mirotic has appendectomy, out through All-Star break | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo Sports