Cody Zeller to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge
Cody Zeller has been named by the NBA to the rosters of its Rising Stars Challenge. The Rising Stars Challenge is the game for second year players and first year players.
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It used to be the Rookie-Sophomore Game where the second year stars would play the rookie stars. Most times that game would be dominated by the second year pros.
This year the NBA is trying something new and mixing the pool of players much like the NFL has done with the last two Pro Bowls. Instead of having a fantasy draft between old pros, the NBA has divided things into a US and World team setup. There will be a team of rookies and second year guys from the United States and another one of international players.
Cody Zeller to the Game:
The idea is to drive a little more interest for common fans. US vs the World is an idea that anyone can understand. It helps explain the success of events like the Ryder Cup or the extreme, the Olympics.
Cody Zeller was brought on board to bolster a front line that otherwise will rely on Nerlens Noel and Mason Plumlee. The Codysaurus is averaging 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds in 23 minutes of game action.
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TEAM USA:
Trey Burke, G, Utah
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F, Detroit
Michael Carter-Williams, G, Philadelphia
Zach LaVine, G, Minnesota
Shabazz Muhammad, F, Minnesota
Nerlens Noel, F, Philadelphia
Victor Oladipo, G, Orlando
Elfrid Payton, G, Orlando
Mason Plumlee, F, Brooklyn
Cody Zeller, F, Charlotte
TEAM WORLD:
Steven Adams, C, Oklahoma City
Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee
Bojan Bogdanovic, G, Brooklyn
Gorgui Dieng, F, Minnesota
Dante Exum, G, Utah
Rudy Gobert, C, Utah
Nikola Mirotic, F, Chicago
Kelly Olynyk, F, Boston
Dennis Schroder, G, Atlanta
Andrew Wiggins, F, Minnesota
A quick look at the roster reveals that the young talent in the league seems to be located in Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Utah. There are more players from non-playoff teams than there are for playoff teams.