Top Rising Stars Draft Picks: Flagg, Knueppel, and Edgecombe Lead the Way

PHILADELPHIA — The anticipation is palpable for the upcoming NBA draft as NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony named Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg the No. 1 pick in the Rising Stars Challenge. This event, held on February 13, 2026, showcases the league’s best rookie and sophomore talents.

The star-studded draft saw the first four selections come from the talented 2025 NBA draft class. Following Flagg, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel was picked second by Tracy McGrady. Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe followed with the third pick, selected by Vince Carter, and the fourth selection was New Orleans Pelicans forward Derik Queen.

Team Selections for Rising Stars Challenge

The teams were drafted on NBC’s pregame show on Peacock, prior to the 76ers-Bucks matchup in South Philadelphia. Here’s a look at the teams:

Team Melo

• Cooper Flagg
• Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard
• San Antonio Spurs guards Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper
• Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears
• Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan
• Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles

Team T-Mac

• Kon Knueppel
• Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware
• Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson
• Center Alex Sarr
• Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell
• Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson
• Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer

Team Vince

• VJ Edgecombe
• Derik Queen
• Wizards forward Kyshawn George
• Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis
• Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin
• Memphis Grizzlies forwards Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells

The challenge also features a fourth team comprised of players participating in the G League this season, including:

• Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen
• LA Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser
• Players on two-way contracts: David Jones Garcia (Spurs), Tristan Newton (Houston Rockets), Alijah Martin (Toronto Raptors), and Ron Harper Jr. (Boston Celtics)
• Sean East II from the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars

Upcoming Competition

The four teams will compete in three games, with the winners of the first two games facing off in the final to determine the overall champion. This exciting showcase is part of the All-Star festivities at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

As these young athletes gear up for the Rising Stars Challenge, basketball fans can expect high-energy performances and incredible skill displays as they look to make a mark on the game.