Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been selected for the 2025 NBA Rising Stars game, marking his second consecutive All-Star Weekend appearance.
An outstanding season for Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., one of 11 second-year players chosen, will compete alongside some of the league’s top young talents in the highly anticipated event.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been a key player for the Heat during the 2024-25 NBA season, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the court. Over 40 games, the 23-year-old is averaging 9.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the league.
Under the new Rising Stars format, 21 NBA players will be split into three teams of seven, each competing for a chance to advance to the revamped NBA All-Star Game. Jaquez joins an elite group of second-year standouts, including Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Cason Wallace (OKC Thunder), Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets), Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Golden State Warriors), Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers), Keyonte George (Utah Jazz), Gradey Dick (Toronto Raptors), and Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards).
Rising Stars Roster and Format
In addition to the 11 second-year players, 10 rookies have been selected, including Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington (Washington Wizards), Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies), Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans), Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers), Tristan da Silva (Orlando Magic), and Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs). Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers) was also chosen but will miss the event due to a season-ending injury.
This year’s format introduces a high-stakes tournament structure. Team A will face Team B in a race to 40 points, while Team C takes on Team D under the same rules. The two winners will then battle for the Rising Stars championship, with the first team to reach 25 points earning a coveted spot in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday.
The new format adds an exciting twist, making the Rising Stars Challenge a direct pathway to playing on basketball’s biggest stage.
When is the NBA Rising Stars Challenge?
The game will take place on Friday, February 14, at 9:00 PM ET, kicking off the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend with a showcase of the league’s future superstars.
