Paolo Banchero‘s rookie season includes a trip to the NBA All-Star Weekend.
The Orlando Magic forward and the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft was announced Tuesday as a participant in this year’s Rising Star Game in Salt Lake City on February 17, two days before the All-Star Game. it was done.
Banchero, who leads all rookies averaging 20.7 points per game, could be named to the All-Star Reserve. Those players will be revealed on Thursday.
“If you get the chance to participate in an All-Star weekend, you can’t turn it down,” Banchero said. “Especially for me, a rookie and his freshman year, I had never experienced it before. Whether it was a rising star or a reserve, it was always a dream to be a part of it. I can’t wait to see what happens. Like.”
Banchero is on pace to become the first rookie to average 20 points per game. Luka Doncic 2018-19. He also ranks fourth among rookies in rebounds per game entering Tuesday and third among rookies in steals per game.
Magic coach Jamal Mosley said the All-Star experience will affect Banchero, whether he’s a rising star or not.
Mosley says, “Just being around other young players in the same position is very helpful because it’s your peers.” I think that says something about the work you put in, the work he put in. He believes in himself, in what we do as a team, and in his continued growth. I am continuing.”
Also selected for the game from this year’s rookie class: Detroit’s Jalen Duren When Jaden Ivyin Atlanta AJ GriffinUtah walker kesslerIndiana Benedict Maturin When Andrew Nenhardtin Sacramento Keegan Murrayin Houston Jabari Smith Jr.in San Antonio Jeremy Sochan and Oklahoma City Jalen Williams.
The second-year player selected is from New Orleans. Jose Alvarado When Trey Murphy IIIin Toronto Scotty Burnsin Oklahoma City Josh Guiddyin Houston Jalen Green When alperen armyin New York Quentin Grimesin Denver Bones Highlandin Cleveland Evan Mobley and Orlando’s Franz Wagner.
Also in the Rising Stars event will be a team of G League players made up of Sidy Cissoko. Mojave KingScoot Henderson, Kenneth Lofton Jr.Mac McClung, Leonard Miller, Scottie Pippen Jr..
Twenty-one NBA players will be drafted into three seven-a-side teams. Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Deron Williams will coach these teams, while Jason Terry will coach his G League team.
All four teams will play the semi-final game with a target score of 40, followed by the championship game with the two winners with a target score of 25.
