New York Knicks rookie forward Kevin Knox has been announced as Lonzo Ball's replacement in the upcoming Rising Stars Challenge.
Ball, who was also unable to compete in the 2018 Rising Stars Challenge, has missed the Lakers' last seven games with an ankle injury and he isn't expected back until March. Knox, 19, is averaging 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in his first season with the Knicks.
The Rising Stars Challenge, featuring the league's rookie and second-year players, will once again pit Team USA vs Team World. This year, Kyrie Irving will coach Team USA, while Dirk Nowitzki mans the World squad.
In addition to Knox, the Team USA roster includes Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen, Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III and guard De’Aaron Fox, Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, Atlanta Hawks forward/center John Collins and guard Trae Young, Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Team World's 10-man roster includes Sixers guard Ben Simmons (Australia), Mavs rookie Luka Dončić (Slovenia), Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (United Kingdom), Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (Bahamas), Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanović (Serbia), LA Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), Nets forward Rodions Kurucs(Latvia), Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie (Nigeria) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman (Turkey).
The Rising Stars Challenge is set to air on Friday, February 15 at 9 pm ET at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.