All 3 New Orleans Pelicans players can maximize their Rising Stars debut

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New Orleans Pelicans, Nicolò Melli, Nicolo Melli, Rising Stars Challenge

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Nicolo Melli #20 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors during a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 17, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Nicolò Melli, Team World

Nicolò Melli might not be a household name or even a familiar face to even the NBA’s most-rabid league pass watchers. However, his game is getting some appreciation, as the Italian rookie picked up a nod in the challenge on pretty short notice.

Averaging 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and shooting 37.4% on 3 attempts from three per contest, Melli is adjusting well to the NBA and seems to get better with each passing week. His spot on the team came just days before the competition, but his late addition was well earned.

Joining the team after Deandre Ayton of Canada and the Phoenix Suns had to drop out from the competition, Melli will certainly be the oldest player on either Rising Stars roster.

However, Melli never intended to go to the Windy City, as the rookie will quickly have to adjust and to head to brace the17º F in Chicago, IL this weekend.

"We were having a huddle, then David Griffin came to me and said, "Hey Nic, congratulations! You're going to Rising Stars."

"I said,"Are you joking?!" Everyone knows I wanted to go to the Bahamas on vacation."

Nicolo Melli said he's still going to the Bahamas
— The Bird Writes (@thebirdwrites) February 14, 2020

Planning way ahead of time to take a trip to the Bahamas with his girlfriend, Melli was about to head somewhere much warmer and more tropical, but instead, he’ll get a chance to check out some of the All-Star Weekend festivities in the short run.

Melli is 29-years-old and really is the misfit among the group, many of which are teenagers who played just one year of college basketball before jumping into the league.

The best thing that could happen for Melli in this one is to simply not get hurt before his vacation; sure, it would be nice to see him knock down some threes to help represent the New Orleans Pelicans, but our young forward is looking forward to warmer days.

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