It is NBA All-Star Weekend, however not all the celebs will shine equally. To spotlight one of the best and worst performances all weekend lengthy in Indianapolis, we’re grading the individuals in each occasion from the Rising Stars on Friday via Sunday’s All-Star Sport.
Friday’s star-studded Rising Stars match at All-Star Weekend featured the main two contenders for Rookie of the Yr — the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s Chet Holmgren and San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama — in addition to 2023 award winner and first-time All-Star Paolo Banchero.
For the third consecutive 12 months, the NBA’s greatest rookies and sophomores had been cut up into three groups drafted by honorary coaches, with a staff representing the NBA G League filling out the four-team bracket. These groups performed to a goal rating of 40 factors within the semifinals and 25 factors within the remaining.
Staff Jalen, coached by former NBA participant Jalen Rose, ended up beating a staff of gamers from the G League (coached by three-time All-Star Detlef Schrempf) within the remaining. These groups had earlier defeated groups coached by Corridor of Famers Tamika Catchings and Pau Gasol within the semifinals.
Bennedict Mathurin of weekend host Indiana Pacers was named MVP after scoring 18 factors within the semis.
Which of the NBA’s stars of tomorrow confirmed essentially the most potential with their play? Let’s grade the efficiency of all 28 gamers in motion.
RISING STARS
Staff Jalen
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma Metropolis ThunderGrade: B
Sport 1: 5 PTS | 2-4 FG | 3 REB | 1 ASTFinal: 2 PTS | 0-0 FG | 2 REB | 1 BLK
AnalysisThe high choose for Staff Jalen did not find yourself enjoying the largest position in his staff’s victory. Holmgren had 5 turnovers within the semifinals, when he matched up with 2022 No. 1 choose Paolo Banchero and scored solely on the free throw line within the remaining. On the plus aspect, Holmgren twice drove previous Banchero on the perimeter, as soon as for a working layup and the opposite drawing a foul.
Chet Holmgren solutions Paolo Banchero’s dunk with one in every of his personal
Chet Holmgren throws up a two-handed windmill dunk after Paolo Banchero threw it down a possession earlier than.
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma Metropolis ThunderGrade: A-
Sport 1: 2 PTS | 1-1 FG | 3 REB | 3 ASTFinal: 5 PTS | 2-3 FG | 1-2 3PT | 3 AST
Evaluation
Williams capably dealt with the position of level guard for the aptly named Staff Jalen, handing out a game-high three assists in each the semifinals and the ultimate. His solely rating within the semifinals was the staff’s opening basket, beginning a comeback from a 10-0 deficit. Williams additionally capped the night time’s scoring with a pull-up 3 to achieve — and really surpass — the goal rating and win the match.
Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana PacersGrade: A
Sport 1: 18 PTS | 7-13 FG | 2-4 3PT | 2 REBFinal: 4 PTS | 1-3 FG | 2 AST | 1 STL
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
AnalysisMathurin redeemed himself for lacking what may have been a pair of game-winning free throws by making a pull-up jumper to achieve the goal rating within the tightly contested semifinal win. After all, Staff Jalen was in that place solely due to Mathurin’s takeover, which earned him MVP honors.
Mathurin scored practically half of his staff’s factors within the semifinals, repeatedly attending to the rim and making a pair of 3-pointers. Mathurin made much less noise within the remaining, the place his greatest play was a nifty flip cross to Kessler for a layup.
Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio SpursGrade: C+
Sport 1: 0 PTS | 0-0 FG | 2 REBFinal: 0 PTS | 0-2 FG
AnalysisPlaying on the perimeter as a part of a supersized Staff Jalen beginning 5, Sochan was the staff’s solely participant to not rating, lacking each of his shot makes an attempt.
Dereck Energetic II, Dallas MavericksGrade: A
Sport 1: 6 PTS | 3-3 FG | 2 REBFinal: 6 PTS | 3-3 FG | 1 AST
AnalysisLively’s above-the-rim ending and willingness to run the courtroom had been difference-makers for Staff Jalen, which rallied from an early deficit quickly after he checked into the semifinals. Energetic shortly completed an alley-oop and was 6-of-6 from the sphere total, throughout the rim.
Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans PelicansGrade: A
Sport 1: 7 PTS | 3-5 FG | 5 REB | 2 ASTFinal: 5 PTS | 2-2 FG | 1-1 3PT | 2 AST
AnalysisArguably one of the best shooter on this 12 months’s rookie class, Hawkins showcased his talent with a pair of pull-up 3-pointers in transition and completed 5-of-7 through the competitors. Extra spectacular, nonetheless, was Hawkins’ playmaking. He discovered teammates Walker Kessler and Dereck Energetic II for alley-oop finishes.
Walker Kessler, Utah JazzGrade: B
Sport 1: 2 PTS | 1-1 FG | 2 REB | 1 ASTFinal: 4 PTS | 2-2 FG | 1 REB
AnalysisIt was a gradual begin for Kessler, who was truly known as for an unlawful display within the semifinals — perhaps the primary in All-Star Weekend historical past. Kessler did have a robust block in that recreation and a pair of finishes across the rim within the finals.
Staff Detlef
Izan Almansa, G League IgniteGrade: B+
Sport 1: 2 PTS | 1-2 FG | 1 REB | 1 BLKFinal: 0 PTS | 1 MIN
AnalysisThe 18-year-old Almansa, No. 24 in ESPN’s draft rankings, noticed the least motion of any participant on Staff Detlef. Almansa nonetheless discovered time for a memorable sequence during which he swatted Bilal Coulibaly’s shot, then raced downcourt for a dunk on the different finish. Worse was Almansa’s determination to contest Victor Wembanyama in transition, establishing a three-point play.
Matas Buzelis, G League IgniteGrade: B+
Friday Feb. 23Cavaliers at 76ers, 7:30 p.m.Bucks at Timberwolves, 10 p.m.
Saturday Feb. 24Celtics at Knicks, 8:30 p.m.
All instances Jap
Sport 1: 7 PTS | 3-7 FG | 2 REB | 2 ASTFinal: 0 PTS | 0-3 FG | 0-1 3PT | 1 STL
Evaluation
The very best-rated prospect on G League Ignite at No. 6 in ESPN’s rankings, Buzelis despatched Staff Detlef to the ultimate by flattening a tough turnaround jumper after an prolonged offensive drought.
He additionally showcased his shotmaking by hitting a step-back jumper with a excessive launch and a contested 3. That did not carry over to the ultimate, the place Buzelis missed all three of his pictures and dribbled the ball off his foot for a turnover.
Emoni Bates, Cleveland ChargeGrade: B-
Sport 1: 5 PTS | 2-6 FG | 2 AST | 1 STLFinal: 2 PTS | 1-3 FG | 2 REB | 1 AST
AnalysisBates, who’s on a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was lively all through. He had a powerful end in transition within the remaining and a protracted rainbow 3 off the dribble within the semifinals, when he additionally laid the ball off to teammate Oscar Tshiebwe for a dunk. General, nonetheless, Bates shot simply 3-of-9 from the sphere.
Tyler Smith, G League IgniteGrade: C+
Sport 1: 2 PTS | 1-5 FG | 3 REB | 1 STLFinal: 0 PTS | 0-1 FG | 0-1 3PT
AnalysisRanked nineteenth in ESPN’s draft rankings, Smith acquired his first take a look at Victor Wembanyama with blended outcomes. Wembanyama stole the ball from Smith whereas matched up one-on-one, then Smith later tried a hook shot over him and acquired predictable outcomes with a wild miss.
Mac McClung, Osceola MagicGrade: A-
Sport 1: 12 PTS | 5-9 FG | 5 REB | 3 ASTFinal: 0 PTS | 0-1 3PT | 3 AST
AnalysisIt’s amusing that McClung, who will defend his title in Saturday’s dunk contest regardless of not being signed to an NBA contract (he is enjoying for the G League’s Osceola Magic), scored a game-high 12 factors within the semifinals and not using a single dunk. As a substitute, McClung relied on powerful layup finishes. A miss after McClung was despatched to the road for a three-shot foul delayed Staff Detlef reaching the goal rating, nevertheless it acquired there largely due to McClung’s vitality, which produced three offensive rebounds and three assists. He once more had three assists within the remaining.
Oscar Tshiebwe, Indiana Mad AntsGrade: A
Sport 1: 2 PTS | 1-1 FG | 8 REBFinal: 8 PTS | 4-5 FG | 2 REB | 1 AST
AnalysisRepresenting the hometown staff on a two-way contract with the Pacers, Tshiebwe was within the combine all through each video games. He pulled down a game-high eight boards within the semifinals, together with 4 of them on the offensive finish. Within the remaining, Tshiebwe discovered his footing as a scorer, making a tip-in to open the sport, dunking dwelling a pick-and-roll feed and finishing a drop step for a layup.
Oscar Tshiebwe throws down ridiculous poster slam
Oscar Tshiebwe stuns the announcers with an out-of-this-world poster dunk.
Alondes Williams, Sioux Falls SkyforceGrade: A-
Sport 1: 11 PTS | 5-10 FG | 1-6 3PT | 2 ASTFinal: 3 PTS | 1-1 3PT | 1 REB | 1 BLK
AnalysisRecently signed to a two-way contract by the Miami Warmth, Williams impressed along with his all-around play within the semifinals. He went at Victor Wembanyama and got here away with an and-1, then made a spotlight dunk in transition when he pulled the ball again earlier than ending. Williams additionally hit a rainbow 3 over Wembanyama and was credited for a rating when he attacked the offensive glass and acquired Wembanyama to tip the ball into his personal basket, and. within the remaining, Williams had as many turnovers as factors (three apiece).
Staff Pau
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio SpursGrade: A
Sport 1:11 PTS | 5-6 FG | 7 REB | 2 BLK
Evaluation
We are able to quibble with Wembanyama’s 5 turnovers, a few of them the results of careless ball dealing with, however he nonetheless showcased the breadth of his one-of-a-kind abilities. Wembanyama made 5 of his six shot makes an attempt, most of them across the rim. That included a transition dunk during which he waited for the protection to come back to him, drawing an and-1 within the course of. He threw a lob to Jaime Jaquez Jr. after working pick-and-roll, grabbed a team-high seven rebounds and had a pair of blocks — one in every of them erasing a Mac McClung shot that would have ended the sport.
Wemby throws down slam off cross from Podziemski
Brandin Podziemski lobs up the cross to Victor Wembanyama, who throws down the two-handed jam.
Brandon Miller, Charlotte HornetsGrade: C
Sport 1: 0 PTS | 0-4 FG | 2 REB | 2 STL
AnalysisThe No. 2 total choose from the 2023 draft has been scorching currently, charging up our rookie rankings, however his taking pictures contact abandoned him Friday. Miller missed all 4 of his shot makes an attempt, together with an air ball from 3 in transition that he salvaged by hustling again to steal an outlet cross.
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State WarriorsGrade: B+
Sport 1: 3 PTS | 1-3 FG | 4 AST | 2 REB
AnalysisThrust into the atypical position of level guard on Staff Pau, Podziemski recorded a team-high 4 assists. He arrange Victor Wembanyama with a pleasant entry cross after which had a drop cross to Bilal Coulibaly for a dunk. Podziemski’s solely basket was a step-back 3.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami HeatGrade: A
Sport 1: 6 PTS | 3-4 FG | 3 AST | 2 REB
AnalysisJaquez’s robust rookie marketing campaign carried over into Friday. A pump faux that arrange a drive and dunk was the excessive level of an evening that noticed Jaquez make three of his 4 shot makes an attempt and hand out three assists.
Jabari Smith Jr., Houston RocketsGrade: B-
Sport 1: 4 PTS | 2-4 FG | 1 REB
AnalysisSmith had only one board in 9 quiet minutes. He scored two of his 4 factors early, rising over his defender to knock down a jumper from the foul line.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma Metropolis ThunderGrade: B-
Sport 1: 8 PTS | 3-8 FG | 2-6 3PT | 1 AST
AnalysisTeam Pau repeatedly turned to Wallace in want of 3s down the stretch, and he went simply 2-of-6 past the arc. A kind of makes was a high-arcing shot from the nook. Wallace additionally transformed his personal steal right into a mini-windmill dunk.
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington WizardsGrade: B
Sport 1: 4 PTS | 2-3 FG | 1 AST | 1 STL
AnalysisA affected person drive for a layup adopted by a strip for a steal in a key state of affairs was Coulibaly’s greatest sequence. Sadly, he was on the unsuitable finish of Izan Almansa’s spotlight block.
Staff Tamika
Paolo Banchero, Orlando MagicGrade: B
Sport 1: 5 PTS | 2-7 FG | 0-4 3PT | 3 REB
AnalysisBanchero helped Staff Tamika’s dominant begin with a reverse dunk in transition and had a pleasant driving dunk, however he struggled from past the arc. Banchero missed all 4 of his 3-point makes an attempt, together with a step-back that got here up wanting the rim. Banchero can have an opportunity to seek out his contact in Sunday’s All-Star Sport.
Jaden Ivey, Detroit PistonsGrade: A
Sport 1: 8 PTS | 4-7 FG | 4 STL | 3 REB
AnalysisIvey ended up on the unsuitable finish of what was a one-on-one battle with Bennedict Mathurin, who was drafted one choose after Ivey in 2022, but nonetheless acquitted himself effectively. Ivey was aggressive attacking the basket with energy and scored eight factors on 4-of-7 taking pictures along with recording a game-high 4 steals.
Jalen Duren, Detroit PistonsGrade: C
Sport 1: 2 PTS | 1-4 FG | 1 REB | 1 STL
AnalysisDuren, who’s taking pictures 63% from the sphere, had his least correct outing of the complete season (1-of-4). Duren’s sole basket got here when he confirmed off his ballhandling skill within the open courtroom for a dunk, and he had a pleasant cross to arrange a missed nook 3, however for essentially the most half it was a quiet night time.
Keegan Murray, Sacramento KingsGrade: B+
Sport 1: 5 PTS | 2-4 FG | 3 REB | 2 AST
AnalysisMurray’s pull-up 3 in transition was a part of Staff Tamika’s 10-0 run to begin the sport. Though he scored just one different basket, Murray tied for team-high honors with three rebounds and two assists.
Scoot Henderson, Portland Path BlazersGrade: A
Sport 1: 10 PTS | 4-6 FG | 1-2 3PT | 1 AST
AnalysisPlaying in an unprecedented third consecutive Rising Stars recreation after representing G League Ignite the previous two years, Henderson got here out with vitality, sometimes enjoying full-court protection on opposing ball handlers. He could not end a dunk after arising with a steal, however he later accomplished an and-1 over Walker Kessler after attending to the rim with a powerful in-and-out dribble. Henderson’s 10 factors led his staff.
Keyonte George, Utah JazzGrade: B
Sport 1: 2 PTS | 1-4 FG | 1 STL | 1 BLK
AnalysisBy scoring a reverse end over Jazz teammate Walker Kessler, George had one of many night time’s most memorable highlights. That was George’s solely area aim, as he missed all three tries past the arc. He did impress on protection, stealing a backdoor cross and stripping Bennedict Mathurin.
Vince Williams Jr., Memphis GrizzliesGrade: B
Sport 1: 3 PTS | 1-2 3PT | 2 AST | 1 STL
AnalysisA last-minute substitute for the injured Dyson Daniels, Williams made a pull-up 3 in transition for his solely basket of the night time.