Cooper Flagg Headlines 2025 NBA Rising Stars Pool for All-Star Weekend

The NBA Rising Stars pool has been officially announced, featuring Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg alongside a stacked roster of lottery picks and elite sophomores.

The road to NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco has officially begun with the announcement of the 2025 NBA Rising Stars pool. This annual showcase, which serves as a premier stage for the league's most promising young talent, features a mix of high-impact rookies, established sophomores, and standout performers from the NBA G League. This year, the spotlight shines brightest on Dallas Mavericks sensation Cooper Flagg, who leads a group of 28 players selected to participate in the four-team tournament format.

The Lottery-Heavy Rookie Class

The most striking aspect of this year's NBA Rising Stars pool is the sheer concentration of top-tier draft pedigree. Ten rookies have been selected for the event, and notably, every single one of them was a lottery pick in the most recent June draft. This speaks to the immediate impact the 2024 draft class has had on the league, despite early-season narratives suggesting it might be a developmental year for the newcomers.

Cooper Flagg, the crown jewel of the Mavericks' youth movement, headlines this group. Flagg has lived up to the immense hype, showcasing a versatile defensive game and a maturing offensive repertoire that has made him a fixture in the Mavs' rotation. Joining him are fellow top picks who have quickly adjusted to the speed of the professional game. The inclusion of these ten rookies ensures that the Rising Stars event remains a true barometer for the future of the NBA, giving fans a glimpse of the players who will likely be perennial All-Stars in the years to come.

Sophomores Ready for the Next Step

While the rookies often grab the headlines, the NBA Rising Stars pool is heavily bolstered by 11 sophomores who have spent the last 18 months carving out significant roles on their respective teams. These second-year players represent the bridge between raw potential and established stardom. Many of these selections are already starters or key bench contributors for playoff-contending teams, bringing a level of physicality and experience that often dictates the pace of the Rising Stars mini-tournament.

For these sophomores, the event is more than just a celebration; it is a statement of intent. Players in their second year often use this platform to prove they have outgrown the 'prospect' label. With 11 spots dedicated to this group, the competition within the pool is expected to be fierce. These players have already navigated the 'rookie wall' and are now focused on refining their efficiency and leadership, making them the tactical anchors for whichever team they are drafted into during the Rising Stars draft.

The G League Influence and Format

Rounding out the NBA Rising Stars pool are seven standout players from the NBA G League. This inclusion continues the NBA's commitment to highlighting the depth of talent within its developmental system. The G League players often bring a unique hunger to the event, viewing it as a prime scouting opportunity to earn a permanent spot on an NBA roster. In previous years, G League participants have been the 'X-factors' of the tournament, often playing with a level of intensity that catches the NBA mainstays off guard.

The format of the Rising Stars Challenge will once again feature a four-team, three-game tournament. The 28-player pool will be divided into four teams, with NBA legends often serving as honorary coaches. The games are played to a 'Final Target Score,' a format that has revitalized the competitiveness of the event by ensuring every game ends on a made basket rather than a clock expiration. This high-stakes environment is the perfect setting for a player like Cooper Flagg to showcase his clutch genes on a global stage.

What to Expect at All-Star Weekend

As the league descends upon the Bay Area, the NBA Rising Stars pool represents the first major event of the weekend's festivities. For the Dallas Mavericks, having Flagg as the face of the rookie class is a major win for the franchise's branding and future outlook. For the fans, it is an opportunity to see the league's tactical evolution in real-time, as positionless basketball and long-range shooting continue to dominate the styles of these young stars.

Beyond the box scores, the Rising Stars event is about the narratives of growth. Whether it is a lottery pick validating his draft position or a G League underdog proving he belongs, the 2025 pool is one of the most balanced and talented we have seen in recent years. With 28 players ready to compete, the stage is set for a memorable showcase of the next generation of basketball greatness. Keep a close eye on the chemistry between the rookies and sophomores, as these matchups often foreshadow the great NBA rivalries of the next decade.