The 2019 Rising Stars Challenge Rosters Are Out, Who Ya Got?

In 2012 the NBA changed The Rookie Game to the Rising Stars Challenge and started including first and second year players instead of just first year guys. That lasted until 2015 when the NBA once again changed the format to US vs World while still using those first and second year players. I don’t mind this format, I don’t really care about Rookies vs Sophomores as I do just getting the best collection of guys mixed and matched on teams that would make the game competitive. It’s not like Team World doesn’t have some talent, you could argue it’s even better this year. Tonight we found out who makes up both sides for this year’s game, let’s have another look

USA

– Jarrett Allen
– Marvin Bagley III
– Lonzo Ball
– John Collins
– De’Aaron Fox
– Jaren Jackson jr
– Kyle Kuzma
– Donovan Mitchell
– Jayson Tatum
– Trae Young

WORLD

– OG Anunoby
– DeAndre Ayton
– Bogdan Bogdanovic
– Luka Doncic
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
– Rodions Kurucs
– Lauri Markkanen
– Josh Okogie
– Cedi Osman
– Ben Simmons

Now there are obviously some interesting omissions like Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr, Yabu, etc but for the most part these are most of the guys I would go with. The question now becomes between these two team, who are you rolling with? Team World obviously has a nice combo of Simmons/Luka/Ayton/Baby Dirk, but I think Team USA has more all around talent. Too much size for Team USA with guys that can also stretch the floor, they two incredible passing point guards, and overall a better collection of athletes. The one thing Team World has the edge in is shooting, but I feel like defense would be a problem for them. I’m just not sure their shooting outweighs the points they give up on the other end. I’m rolling with Team USA not just because I think they are better but because this is America. When challenged between America and anyone else the answer is always America. Yeah Team World won the last two but whatever, no chance they go back to back to back. Having said that, I’d be curious to hear your thoughts.

Also, nice of the NBA to allow Ben Simmons to play in this game again despite the fact he’s that weird kid who had to repeat a grade because he never learned a jump shot.