Runnin - n - Gunnin

NBA All-Star Weekend: Rookie-Sophomore Game Rising Stars Challenge

The NBA decided to shake things up a little for the Rook-Soph game on Friday Night of All Star Weekend and took a note from the NHL All-Star Game.  Instead of putting the Rookies up against the Sophomores, they have two teams managed by Charles Barkley and Shaq and the players will be chosen Old-School Playground style.  

Also today, NBA.com unveiled the list of first and second year players that will participate in this year’s game:

Sophomores:

• G John Wall (Wizards)
• G Landry Fields (Knicks)
• G/F Paul George (Pacers)
• G/F Evan Turner (Sixers)
• F Gordon Hayward (Jazz)
• F Blake Griffin (Clippers)
• F/C Tiago Splitter (Spurs)
• C DeMarcus Cousins (Kings)
• C Greg Monroe (Pistons)

No Jeremy Lin?  Just kidding.

Rookies:

• G Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers)
• G Ricky Rubio (Timberwolves)
• G Kemba Walker (Bobcats)
• G Brandon Knight (Pistons)
• G/F MarShon Brooks (Nets)
• F Kawhi Leonard (Spurs)
• F Markieff Morris (Suns)
• F Derrick Williams (Timberwolves)
• F Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers)

No Jimmer?  Again, just kidding.

Looking at the pool of players, the fact that each team will be a mix of rookies and sophomores makes this game a lot more appealing.  With the old system, the rookies would get killed.

My biggest fear with this event is that Chuck and Shaq will be the ones choosing teams, but as long as I get sweet Ricky Rubio lobs to Blake Griffin or Paul George, I’ll be a happy NBA fan.  

(photo via Getty Images on NBA.com)

@lameallenmark