Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe lead the NBA Rising Stars draft, with Flagg and Knueppel selected as the top two picks, reflecting their standout rookie campaigns. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in June's draft, is considered a favorite for Rookie of the Year, averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Knueppel, a Charlotte Hornets guard, is making significant waves with 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, drawing comparisons to Steph Curry for his off-ball movement. Edgecombe, a guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, is also highly ranked with 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, earning praise from Bahamas leadership. Other notable rookies include Memphis' Cedric Coward, who has risen to the top five in the Kia Rookie Ladder with impressive stats, and Derik Queen of the Pelicans, praised by NBA legend Dominique Wilkins for his size and skill. The Rising Stars showcase will feature four teams of first- and second-year players, including seven G League players, competing in a mini-tournament at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. The draft was conducted by NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter, who selected their teams based on a pool of 21 NBA rookies and 7 G League players. The event aims to highlight emerging talent, with Flagg and Knueppel set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup. The Kia Rookie Ladder remains unchanged in the top three, with Coward moving up and other rookies like Caleb Love and Maxime Raynaud gaining recognition. The NBA season continues with notable milestones, including Kevin Durant passing Vince Carter for 10th in all-time three-pointers and LeBron James receiving a tribute video in Cleveland. Injuries like Houston's Steven Adams ending his season early and Wembanyama's recent dominance also mark the ongoing season.