2021 NBA Rising Stars Challenge - Selected Rosters and Cancellation

The 2021 NBA Rising Stars Challenge was not played because of changes to NBA All-Star Weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic. The league condensed its All-Star activities into a single day on March 7, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. With a limited schedule and additional health and safety considerations, the Rising Stars game was removed from the program.

Although the game was canceled, the NBA continued its tradition of recognizing outstanding first- and second-year players. On March 3, 2021, the league announced 20 Rising Stars selections, divided into a 10-player United States team and a 10-player World team.

The rosters were selected by NBA assistant coaches from all 30 teams. Each coaching staff submitted one ballot, with coaches prohibited from voting for players on their own teams. The selections included four guards, four frontcourt players and two additional players at either position for each roster. Each team was required to include at least three rookies and three second-year players.

The 2021 selections featured an impressive collection of emerging NBA talent, including Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, RJ Barrett and Rui Hachimura. Although these players did not compete in a Rising Stars exhibition, their selections remain part of the event's official history.

The cancellation created an unusual entry in NBA Rookie Challenge and Rising Stars history: two complete rosters were announced, but there was no tipoff, no statistical record and no Most Valuable Player.

Season: 2020-21 NBA Season
Roster Announcement: March 3, 2021
Scheduled All-Star Date: March 7, 2021
All-Star Host City: Atlanta, Georgia
All-Star Arena: State Farm Arena
Rising Stars Game Status: Not Played
Reason: COVID-19 pandemic and condensed All-Star schedule
Game Format: Team USA vs. Team World
Players Selected: 20
Team USA Selections: 10
Team World Selections: 10
Selection Process: Voting by NBA assistant coaches
Final Score: None
Most Valuable Player: None

State Farm Arena hosted the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, but no Rising Stars game was held there in 2021.

The United States roster included 10 players from 10 different NBA teams. Zion Williamson and Ja Morant were among the most prominent selections, alongside highly regarded rookies LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton.

The international roster featured players representing six countries: Canada, Nigeria, Israel, Argentina, Japan and France. Canada accounted for five of the 10 selections, with RJ Barrett, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Brandon Clarke, Luguentz Dort and Mychal Mulder.

First Rising Stars Cancellation of the Modern Era

The 2021 edition became an unusual chapter in the history of the NBA Rookie Challenge and Rising Stars event. The league announced its selections but did not conduct the exhibition because of the pandemic-related changes to All-Star Weekend.

Zion Williamson and Ja Morant Headline Team USA

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant were two of the most recognizable players on the American roster. Morant had won the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year award, while Williamson was selected for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards Represent the 2020 Draft Class

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards were both selected during their rookie seasons. Ball later won the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year award, with Edwards finishing second in the voting.

Tyrese Haliburton Earns a Rookie Selection

Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton was recognized for his promising rookie season after being selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Five Canadian Players Selected for Team World

RJ Barrett, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Brandon Clarke, Luguentz Dort and Mychal Mulder represented Canada. The five players accounted for half of Team World's roster.

Six Countries Represented on Team World

The World roster included players from Canada, Nigeria, Israel, Argentina, Japan and France, demonstrating the increasingly international composition of the NBA's young talent.

Facundo Campazzo Makes the Roster at Age 29

Denver Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo was selected as an NBA rookie despite already having extensive professional experience overseas. The Argentine guard had joined Denver after a successful career with Real Madrid.

Washington Wizards Have Two World Team Selections

Deni Avdija and Rui Hachimura represented the Washington Wizards on Team World. Avdija was a rookie from Israel, while Hachimura was a second-year forward from Japan.

2021 NBA All-Star Game Played in Atlanta

The main NBA All-Star Game was played March 7, 2021, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Team LeBron defeated Team Durant 170-150, and Giannis Antetokounmpo won MVP honors after making all 16 of his field-goal attempts.

Rising Stars Returns in 2022

The Rising Stars event returned in 2022 with a revised format featuring four teams and a three-game mini-tournament. The change replaced the traditional single-game USA-versus-World matchup.

Was the 2021 NBA Rising Stars Challenge played?

No. The 2021 Rising Stars game was canceled because of the condensed All-Star schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Were 2021 NBA Rising Stars rosters announced?

Yes. The NBA announced 20 selections on March 3, 2021, divided into Team USA and Team World.

Who won the 2021 NBA Rising Stars Challenge?

Neither team won because no game was played.

Who was the 2021 Rising Stars MVP?

No MVP was awarded because the game was not held.

Which players were selected for Team USA?

LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Tyler Herro, De'Andre Hunter, Keldon Johnson, Ja Morant, Michael Porter Jr., Zion Williamson and James Wiseman.

Which players were selected for Team World?

Precious Achiuwa, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Deni Avdija, RJ Barrett, Facundo Campazzo, Brandon Clarke, Luguentz Dort, Rui Hachimura, Theo Maledon and Mychal Mulder.

Why was there no 2021 Rising Stars box score?

Because the exhibition was canceled before it could be played, no official player or team game statistics exist.

When did the Rising Stars Challenge return?

The event returned in February 2022 with a new four-team tournament format.

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