In a unique position to send three players to the Rising Stars Challange tonight in Chicago, the New Orleans Pelicans’ will have chances to soar in the Windy City.
Let the festivities begin! It’s time for All-Star Weekend in Chicago, as the action begins with the Rising Stars Challange on Friday night, featuring a smattering of New Orleans Pelicans.
Represented on Team World by Nickeil Alexander-Walker and late-addition Nicolò Melli, with Zion Williamson representing Team USA, the trio from New Orleans will get the chance to square off for the first time outside of scrimmage situations.
Certainly, it’ll be a great chance for fans to get eyes on some exciting young talents from the New Orleans Pelicans, with most probably paying particularly close attention to Williamson.
You’ll never guess which booth is for @Zionwilliamson 🎙#NBARisingStars pic.twitter.com/0sV9U0uM3X
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 14, 2020
It’s a shame that Jaxson Hayes wasn’t added to the Rising Stars roster at any point, as his addition would put all four of the New Orleans Pelicans rookie players in the event.
While his profanity-laced video was an unfortunate viral moment, his ability to make the rim rattle will be missed at what should otherwise be a pretty fun night of basketball.
OH MY JAXSON HAYES. pic.twitter.com/8eoOIs0axj
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 7, 2020
Hayes averages 7.9 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 66.4% from the field, mostly coming on high-efficiency looks around the painted area.
The 19-year-old center also leads all rookies with 51 blocked shots, with Chicago Bulls’ center Daniel Gafford in a distant second-place with 42 blocks.
One snub won’t ruin the whole event by any means, as the teams have a fairly exciting assortment of talent on display.
With Alexander-Walker, Melli, and Williamson all getting a chance to play with an assortment of different teammates, each has a chance to make an impression on the league with their performance in tonight’s action.