The NBA released the rosters for the 2026 Rising Stars game this week, and the rookie list is stacked. From the No. 1 overall pick to some surprise standouts, this group features the best first-year players the league has to offer. Here is a quick look at the rookies who will play in Los Angeles on Feb. 13.
VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
Season Stats: 15.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.2 APG
Edgecombe started his career with a bang, scoring 34 points in his debut: a Sixers rookie record. He is incredibly athletic and has been clutch late in games, shooting over 55% in crunch time. Fans should expect some high-flying dunks from him in this game.
Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)
Season Stats: 10.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.5 APG
Harper looks comfortable on the NBA floor. After a slow shooting start, he has settled in as a key part of the Spurs’ rotation. He is a steady guard who defends well and helps set up the offense alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
Role: Sharpshooter
Knueppel’s main job is shooting the ball. He has been one of the best deep threats in this rookie class, giving Charlotte much-needed space on offense. In an All-Star setting where defense is light, he could put up points quickly.
Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets)
Role: Playmaker
At 6-foot-9, Demin is very tall for a guard. This size lets him see over defenders and make passes that smaller guards can’t. He is a smart player who helps the Nets move the ball and can defend multiple positions.
Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards)
Role: Scorer
Johnson is a natural scorer. He has had some big offensive nights for Washington this season and knows how to get his own shot. This kind of game is perfect for his style of play.
Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors)
Role: Forward
Murray-Boyles earned his spot by playing hard. He brings toughness and energy to the Raptors, doing the dirty work like rebounding and defending. He has been a bright spot in Toronto’s frontcourt.
Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans)
Role: Speedster
Fears is fast and energetic. Coming off the bench for the Pelicans, he uses his speed to push the pace and pressure opposing guards. He is fun to watch in the open court.
Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
Role: Big Man
Queen gives the rookie team an actual presence inside. He has a soft touch around the basket and is a solid rebounder. He joins Fears as the second Pelican on this roster.
Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies)
Role: Wing
Coward wasn’t the biggest name coming into the season, but he has proven he belongs. He plays good defense and has earned consistent minutes for Memphis. He is part of a large Grizzlies group in this event, joining two of his sophomore teammates.
Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
Season Stats: 18.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.1 APG
Flagg was the top pick in the draft, and he is playing like it. He does a little bit of everything for Dallas, averaging nearly 19 points a game while grabbing rebounds and setting up teammates. He has been perfect in close games, helping the Mavs beat playoff teams like the Warriors and Knicks.
A deep class
This rookie group has a mix of everything: scoring, size, and speed. With stars like Flagg and Edgecombe leading the way, the rookies should have a good chance to win the tournament in Los Angeles.
The post NBA announces 2026 Rising Stars rosters: The Rookies appeared first on The Big Lead.
