Myles Turner joins Rising Stars Challenge

After missing the chance to join in the Rising Stars Challenge a year ago due to time missed with a hand injury, Myles Turner will make up for it this year when he was announced as part of the U.S. Team at All-Star Weekend.

Turner has had a fantastic sophomore season for the Indiana Pacers, averaging 15.7 points per game, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, which are historic numbers for a 20-year-old. Reaching this game was a goal of Turner’s heading into the season and after the disappointment of not being chosen last year, he was excited to make amends this year.

Turner will join at least Glenn Robinson III in New Orleans, who will take part in the Slam Dunk Contest, but there’s the strong likelihood that Paul George will join the mix as an All-Star Reserve, which will be announced tomorrow. Turner thinks George will make the cut along with other second-year players, giving him some extra company.

While Turner himself isn’t expected to be named to the All-Star Game, there’s plenty of reason to believe Turner’s continued growth will make him a mainstay at future All-Star Weekends with Zach Lowe noting today in his own All-Star column that he believes Turner today isn’t all that far off from popular All-Star hopeful Kristaps Porzingis. That was on display Monday with Turner getting the better of Porzingis despite the Knicks coming away with the win late, despite Turner’s best efforts.