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The NBA released the rosters for the 2026 Rising Stars game this week, and the rookie list is stacked. From the No. 1 overall pick to some surprise standouts, this group features the best first-year players the league has to offer. Here is a quick look at the rookies who will play in Los Angeles on Feb. 13.
VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) brings the ball up court against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Season Stats: 15.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.2 APGEdgecombe started his career with a bang, scoring 34 points in his debut: a Sixers rookie record. He is incredibly athletic and has been clutch late in games, shooting over 55% in crunch time. Fans should expect some high-flying dunks from him in this game.
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Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)
Oct 22, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) in action during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Season Stats: 10.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.5 APGHarper looks comfortable on the NBA floor. After a slow shooting start, he has settled in as a key part of the Spurs’ rotation. He is a steady guard who defends well and helps set up the offense alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
Dec 1, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Role: SharpshooterKnueppel’s main job is shooting the ball. He has been one of the best deep threats in this rookie class, giving Charlotte much-needed space on offense. In an All-Star setting where defense is light, he could put up points quickly.
Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets)
Jan 16, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Kevin Huerter (13) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Role: PlaymakerAt 6-foot-9, Demin is very tall for a guard. This size lets him see over defenders and make passes that smaller guards can’t. He is a smart player who helps the Nets move the ball and can defend multiple positions.
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Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards)
Jan 2, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) looks on during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Role: ScorerJohnson is a natural scorer. He has had some big offensive nights for Washington this season and knows how to get his own shot. This kind of game is perfect for his style of play.
Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors)
Dec 7, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) tries to slow up Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Role: ForwardMurray-Boyles earned his spot by playing hard. He brings toughness and energy to the Raptors, doing the dirty work like rebounding and defending. He has been a bright spot in Toronto’s frontcourt.
Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans)
Jan 13, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) reacts after a basket against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Role: SpeedsterFears is fast and energetic. Coming off the bench for the Pelicans, he uses his speed to push the pace and pressure opposing guards. He is fun to watch in the open court.
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Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
Jan 14, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) dribbles against Brooklyn Nets forward Danny Wolf (2) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Role: Big ManQueen gives the rookie team an actual presence inside. He has a soft touch around the basket and is a solid rebounder. He joins Fears as the second Pelican on this roster.
Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies)
Jan 11, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Role: WingCoward wasn’t the biggest name coming into the season, but he has proven he belongs. He plays good defense and has earned consistent minutes for Memphis. He is part of a large Grizzlies group in this event, joining two of his sophomore teammates.
Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
Jan 19, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) brings the ball upcourt against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Season Stats: 18.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.1 APGFlagg was the top pick in the draft, and he is playing like it. He does a little bit of everything for Dallas, averaging nearly 19 points a game while grabbing rebounds and setting up teammates. He has been perfect in close games, helping the Mavs beat playoff teams like the Warriors and Knicks.
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A deep class
Jan 16, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Kevin Huerter (13) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
This rookie group has a mix of everything: scoring, size, and speed. With stars like Flagg and Edgecombe leading the way, the rookies should have a good chance to win the tournament in Los Angeles.
The post NBA announces 2026 Rising Stars rosters: The Rookies appeared first on The Big Lead.
