The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't get any starters in the 2012 NBA All-Star game and, while Kevin Love will likely be a reserve, nothing's finalized yet on that front. The annual rookie-sophomore game,now being dubbed the "Rising Stars Challenge" will feature a pair of Wolves rookies, however.
Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams will both represent Minnesota in Orlando when the All-Star festivities. They might not be on the same team even though they're both rookies, however, as the game is undergoing a transition this year:
This year, a new format is being implemented to a game that has historically featured NBA rookies facing off against sophomores. For the first time, rookies and sophomores will be mixed together on teams. TNT analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal will serve as the general managers of the two opposing teams - TEAM CHUCK and TEAM SHAQ - each with nine man rosters, drafted from the aforementioned pool. TNT's Kenny Smith will serve as the honorary Commissioner and Ernie Johnson will host the live BBVA Rising Stars Challenge Draft on Thursday, Feb. 16, on NBA TV at 7 p.m. ET.
Let's hope the Wolves aren't split as those alley-oops are always fun to watch.
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