Look, the NBA All-Star Weekend is usually about the big names—the LeBrons, the Currys, the Wemby-types. But if you’re actually paying attention to where the league is heading, the real action starts on Friday night. The NBA Rising Stars 2026 roster is basically a crystal ball for the next decade of basketball. We’re heading to the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles this February, and honestly, the lineup of rookies and sophomores is looking deeper than it has in years.
Forget the old "East vs. West" vibes for a second. The league is sticking with that four-team mini-tournament format that keeps things spicy. You’ve got three teams of NBA players (rookies and sophomores) and one team of G League standouts. It’s fast. It’s flashy. And because these guys are trying to prove they belong on the "real" All-Star roster next year, they actually play defense—sorta.
Who is Making the Cut?
The selection process is always a bit of a headache for the coaches. They have to pick 28 players total: 11 rookies, 11 sophomores, and then the G League guys.
The sophomore class is absolutely top-heavy. Victor Wembanyama is obviously the headliner, but he might actually be "too good" for this game if he starts in the main All-Star event on Sunday. Even if Wemby sits it out, the second-year talent is wild. You’ve got Chet Holmgren (yeah, he’s technically a sophomore in spirit/service), Brandon Miller, and Scoot Henderson all looking to dominate.
Then there’s the rookies. The 2025 draft class was hyped for a reason. Cooper Flagg is the name everyone is screaming about. He’s been putting up ridiculous numbers for the Mavs, and honestly, he’s a lock. If he isn’t the first name on the rookie list, the system is broken.
The Sophomore Heavy-Hitters
Sophomores usually run the show because they’ve finally figured out how to travel without getting a whistle every three possessions.
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): If he plays, it’s a wrap. He’s likely going to be an All-Star starter, so the league might let a "lesser" star take his Rising Stars spot. But fans want to see the alien in LA.
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder): His rim protection is just unfair in a format like this.
- Amen and Ausar Thompson: The twins are basically a fast-break highlight reel waiting to happen.
- Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards): He’s grown about two inches and added a jumper. He’s the sleeper pick to win the mini-tournament MVP.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Heat): The "old man" game of the sophomore class. He’ll probably post up some 19-year-old and make them look silly.
The Rookie Invasion
This is where the NBA Rising Stars 2026 roster gets interesting. The newcomers aren't just here to fill seats.
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Cooper Flagg is basically the main character of the NBA right now. Seeing him match up against the sophomores is the only reason some people are buying tickets. But don't sleep on Kon Knueppel. The Hornets found a gem there—the guy just doesn't miss from the corners.
Then you have the high-flyers. VJ Edgecombe and Dylan Harper have been trading "Dunk of the Night" honors all season. They’re built for the Intuit Dome’s bright lights. And if Zach Edey gets the call, watching the "Big Maple" try to keep up with the pace of a Rising Stars game will be fascinating. He’s been much better than the haters predicted.
Why the G League Team is Dangerous
People used to treat the G League team like a "participation trophy" squad. Not anymore.
Ever since the NBA started putting legitimate blue-chip prospects in the G League, that fourth team has been a problem. They play with a massive chip on their shoulder. They want the NBA contracts that the other 21 guys already have.
Watch out for Mac McClung if he’s back in the mix. We know he can dunk, but he’s actually turned into a real floor general. Plus, whoever is the top prospect for the 2026 Draft—guys like AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer—might be lurking in the shadows of the G League Ignite (or whatever the current pathway is) making their case.
The Format Explained (Simply)
The NBA loves to tinker with things.
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Basically, the 28 players are drafted into four teams. It’s a pool of 11 rookies, 11 sophomores, and 7 G League players. The "draft" usually happens a few weeks before the game, with NBA legends acting as coaches. We’re hearing rumors that Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter might be leading teams this year. Can you imagine Melo coaching a bunch of 20-year-olds on the art of the mid-range fadeaway? Yes, please.
The games aren't played to a clock. They use a Target Score.
- Semifinals: First team to 40 points wins.
- Finals: First team to 25 points wins.
It’s meant to be a sprint. No boring fourth quarters where everyone is just waiting for the buzzer. Every basket feels like a game-winner once a team hits 35 points.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's a huge misconception that this is just a "young guys' dunk contest."
That’s dead wrong. In 2024 and 2025, we saw some of the most competitive basketball of the whole weekend during the Rising Stars finals. These guys are playing for a $25,000 bonus (sometimes more depending on the new CBA tweaks). For a guy on a two-way contract or a rookie deal, that’s not pocket change.
Also, people think it’s just about scoring. Actually, the scouts are watching for "Winning Impact." Who is diving for loose balls? Who is actually rotating on defense? A big performance here can literally be the reason a guy gets his team option picked up in the summer.
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Making Sense of the Snubs
Every year, someone gets left off the NBA Rising Stars 2026 roster and their fan base goes nuclear on X (Twitter).
Usually, it comes down to health. If a guy has missed 20 games with a bum ankle, the coaches aren't going to reward him. Also, the league tries to get as many teams represented as possible. If you’re the third-best rookie on a team that already has two guys in, you’re probably getting snubbed. It’s not always fair, but it’s how they keep the whole league engaged.
How to Watch and What to Look For
The game is set for Friday, February 13, 2026.
If you’re watching from home, it’s usually on TNT or whatever the new streaming partner is by then. But if you’re in LA, get to the Intuit Dome early. Steve Ballmer’s new arena has "The Wall"—a section of 51 rows of fans that is supposed to be the loudest in the league. Seeing a Rising Stars game in that environment is going to be a fever dream.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official NBA app in late January for the final roster reveal.
- Keep an eye on the injury report—injury replacements are usually where the real "diamonds in the rough" get their chance.
- If you're betting (responsibly!), look at the Sophomore team. They almost always win because they have that extra year of NBA strength training.
The league is in good hands. Between Flagg’s versatility and Wemby’s sheer existence, the 2026 showcase is going to be one for the books.
Actionable Insight: If you want to predict the 2027 All-NBA Third Team, look at the top three scorers from this year's Rising Stars. History shows that the jump from "Rising Star" to "All-NBA" happens faster than you think. Stay tuned for the official draft of the teams on January 27.