3 Players Likely to Have Great Rising Stars Games

The Rising Stars Challenge is one of the most exciting events during All-Star weekend. This game gives young players the chance to showcase their talents on a big stage. Each year, the best rookie and second-year players are invited to participate in this game. In recent years, the game became Team USA vs Team World.

The best rookie and second-year players out of the United States face the best rookie and second-year players from other countries. For example, DeAndre Ayton of Team World is from the Bahamas. Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers is also on Team World.

Simmons is from Australia. Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is another player on Team World. Gilgeous-Alexander is from Canada. Team World has a talented roster with players from all over the world.

This year's Rising Stars Challenge features so many talented players. Every player has a chance to have great performances in this game. But, some players have a better chance than others. It is difficult to choose favorites from such a talented group but it is still possible. Here are three players who are bound to have great Rising Star Challenge performances.

#3 Trae Young

Trae Young is second in scoring for rookies

Trae Young is having a solid rookie season. Young averages 16.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. He is second in scoring for rookies. The only rookie to average more points than Young is Luka Doncic. Doncic averages 20.8 points.

Young's rookie season has been somewhat overshadowed by Doncic. Regardless, Young is playing well. When he came into the league, Young received Steph Curry comparisons. While there are glimpses of Curry, Young has created his own path. In other words, he plays his own game.

The future is bright for Trae Young. He might not win Rookie of the Year, but he'll finish the season strong. With his performance this year, and his shooting ability, Young will be a player to watch in this game.

#2 Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma is one of the young players of the Los Angeles Lakers core. Recently, he was the subject of trade rumors. The Lakers included Kuzma in a deal for Anthony Davis. When the trade deadline came, the Lakers and Pelicans could not agree to a deal. In his first game after the deadline, Kuzma scored 39 points. He made a statement in this game and proved why he should remain a Laker. Now, Kuzma remains with them as they make a push for the playoffs.

This season, Kyle Kuzma averages 19.1 points and 5.6 rebounds. The second-year player averages three more points than he did last season.

Kuzma is an extremely athletic player capable of incredible blocks and dunks. This game is right up his alley. Kuzma could show off his leaping ability by catching lobs from players such as De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young.

In last year's game, Kuzma had 20 points off the bench. He was the second leading scorer for Team USA. The only USA player to have more points was Celtics forward Jaylen Brown. Brown finished the game with 35 points. Kuzma scored his points with plays such as alley-oops. Kuzma played well last year and he's bound to have another good game.

#1 Luka Doncic

Another player bound for a great Rising Stars game is Luka Doncic. There are several other players who could have this spot, but the potential rookie of the year makes the most sense.

Doncic averages 20.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He leads rookies in scoring.

In his last two games, Doncic nearly had triple-doubles. On Monday, he had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in a loss against the Rockets. Then, he had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists in a loss against the Miami Heat. Doncic does it all and could possibly have a triple-double in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Doncic is a 6-foot-7 forward with the skills of a guard. He also has a star quality to him. He'll enjoy playing in a game of this caliber. He'll enjoy the bright lights and excitement of this game. His style of play is perfect for this type of game. So, Doncic will shine in this game and help his teammates shine as well.

This year, there are so many players who could have great games. However Doncic, Kuzma, and Trae Young seem like the most likely. Regardless, we're in for a good game.