NBA Rising Stars Game 2026 Moves Forward Without Top Pick Flagg
The NBA Rising Stars game 2026 tips off with four distinct rosters designed to showcase emerging talent across the league and G League, though the tournament will proceed without last summer’s No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg due to a left mid-foot sprain.
Team Melo Emerges as Talent-Stacked Favorite
Carmelo Anthony’s squad features reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, alongside No. 3 overall pick from the 2024 draft Reed Sheppard from the Houston Rockets. The roster also includes 7-foot-2 center Donovan Clingan from the Portland Trail Blazers, giving Team Melo a significant size advantage and depth advantage heading into competition.
“Team Melo has four top-5 draft picks, providing them with a considerable talent gap compared to the other squads,” according to expert analysis of the rosters. Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey round out a lineup built for immediate impact.
Team Vince vs. Other NBA Squads
Vince Carter’s team headlines Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2025 draft who ranks third among all rookies in scoring at 14.9 points per game. The roster includes skilled playmakers like Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin and New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen, with Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis providing rim-running athleticism.
Tracy McGrady Commands Shooting Threat
Team T-Mac boasts an impressive collection of shooters led by Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, paired with Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher from the first two picks of the 2024 NBA Draft. However, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr sits out with a hamstring strain, removing some defensive versatility from McGrady’s lineup.
Austin Rivers Leads G League Contingent
Austin Rivers coaches the only team composed exclusively of G League players, featuring Sioux Falls Skyforce’s high-scoring guard Jahmir Young. The squad lost Mac McClung to a calf injury but welcomes talent from various developmental leagues including the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Maine Celtics, and Raptors 905.
Tournament Format and Predictions
The four teams will compete in a semifinal format, with the two winners advancing to the championship game. Experts have noted that while Team Melo enters as the betting favorite, the exhibition nature of the game means any squad remains capable of pulling off upsets, particularly given the individual talent on Team Vince and T-Mac’s shooting prowess.
Notable absences include Flagg’s replacement by Collin Murray-Boyles on Team Melo and McClung’s replacement for Team Austin, demonstrating the depth available across NBA rosters for such all-star caliber events.
