2023 Jordan Rising Stars

Ryan Kostecka

In what was arguably the most prominent event the state has hosted since the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Salt Lake City put on an absolute show for NBA All-Star Weekend. With incredible moments on the hardwood, special performances by some of the biggest names in the music industry, and an NBA Crossover event for everyone, it's safe to say that this past weekend went as well as anyone could've hoped.&nbsp;

"It was fun. … Big thanks to Salt Lake City," LeBron James said Sunday night.&nbsp;

While fans worldwide traveled to the snowcapped mountains of Salt Lake City to enjoy the festivities, the true stars of the weekend were those representing the Utah Jazz — the host city.&nbsp;

From Lauri Markkanen making his All-Star debut and serving as the de facto host, to rookie Walker Kessler emerging as a star, to a celebrity game battle between Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade, here's everything to know following the weekend. 

1.) Smith And Wade Go Head-To-HeadFriday night at the Jon M. Huntsman Center wasn't about basketball. The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is never about basketball. 

Yet, don't tell that to Jazz majority owner, Smith, and minority owner, Wade.&nbsp;

In a much more competitive game than in years past, Team Dwyane took down Team Ryan 81-78 in a thrilling and exciting finish.

One of the best moments of the evening was when former Jazzman Carlos Boozer came out of the crowd to suit up for Wade, only to be matched when former NBA champion Richard Jefferson came out from behind the broadcast booth to first officiate then play in the game for Smith.&nbsp;

But the highlight of the night came when Wade and Smith faced off in a traditional three-point contest.&nbsp;

In the end, Smith knocked down 44% of his threes to take down Wade, 11-10. Because each shot was worth $3,000, the two combined to raise $63,000 for charity, while the game raised $100,000 for Howard University.

2.) Kessler Makes His All-Star Weekend DebutIn the first basketball-related action of the weekend, Kessler took part in the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars Game on Friday night. Utah's rookie center was suited up for Team Deron, getting the start and shining on the big stage. 

Although his team would get bounced in the opening game — falling 40-25 to eventual winners Team Pau (Gasol) — he finished with two points, two blocks, one rebound, and one assist, more than holding his own against the best rookie and sophomores in the league.&nbsp;

Despite cracking jokes postgame, clearly taking in and savoring the moment, Kessler had a moment of sincerity when asked about representing the Jazz in their hometown this weekend. He admitted that he got choked up when those in attendance gave him a loud and thunderous ovation when his name was introduced.&nbsp;

"I'm getting a little choked up, it's cool to hear your name called and the Salt Lake City crowd cheer," Kessler said. "I couldn't ask for a better fanbase. … super, super thankful it's here. Funny how something works like that. Hearing your name called and a whole crowd of people cheering for you."

"It's important for us to keep perspective," he added. "That's really cool, and (it's important) to be really thankful for that and to understand that we have a big stage and a platform and with a lot of responsibility."

3.) Team Jazz Wins Skill Challenge"Work smarter, not harder."

That was the plan on Saturday night for Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton — Team Utah — during the 2023 Kia Skills Challenge.&nbsp;

While it didn't exactly start that way, with Clarkson "getting lost" during the team relay portion of the competition, the Jazz stuck to what they're good with and walked away with the victory over Team Antetokounmpo (Thanasis, Alex, and Jrue Holiday) and Team Rookies (Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, and Jabari Smith Jr.).

Team Rookies kicked off the competition with a victory in the team relay before Team Jazz evened the score at 100 with a win in the team passing event. Surprisingly enough, Kessler led the team in passing, with Sexton finishing close behind — and Clarkson doing just enough to help the team win.&nbsp;

When asked if the passing portion was difficult given his low number, Clarkson flashed his million-dollar smile, laughed, and said, "Um, for guys like me that don't really pass much…" before trailing off.

That meant that the third round — the shooting portion of the competition — would determine the winner.

Then in their home arena and in front of Jazz Nation, Team Utah did exactly what Clarkson said they'd do — they shot the ball. Sexton and Kessler caught fire, and thanks to some smart strategy, Utah finished with 13 points to take home the victory.

"Because I came up with the strategy," Kessler said when asked why the Jazz won.

"Walk definitely came up with the strategy, and it worked," Sexton added with a laugh. "It definitely worked, and we give him credit. … But this might be the last credit we ever give you."

4.) Markkanen Takes Center Stage On Sunday NightAfter attending nearly every event throughout the weekend, including participating in the Three-Point competition on Saturday night, it was time for Markkanen to take the court and play some real basketball — sort of. 

In what amounted to a glorified scrimmage between the best basketball players in the world, Markkanen and Team Giannis took down Team LeBron 184-175 in the weekend's final event.&nbsp;

It may have been his first All-Star game, but Markkanen proved precisely why he deserved to be on the biggest stage when the lights shined brightest.

Markkanen got off to a quick start when he threw down a halfcourt alley-oop from former Jazzman Donovan Mitchell — much to the delight of Vivint Arena. After another alley-oop and a deep three, Markkanen had a quick seven points and was delivering on the show he promised to put on.

Overall, he finished with 13 points and seven rebounds on 6-of-13 shooting.

"Pretty surreal," Markkanen said about his first All-Star game. "I was excited to get out there the whole weekend. I mean, I got to participate in the 3-Point Contest, but this was what we were waiting for. … Just a great experience to be a part of. I can't wait to be here again."

While Markkanen was clearly the star for Jazz Nation on Sunday night, Donovan Mitchell got nearly as many cheers. After spending the first five years of his career in Utah, including being named a three-time All-Star, Mitchell wowed the crowd with a stunning performance throughout the night.

Taking his game to another level this season with Cleveland, Mitchell reminded Utah fans why he was so beloved with an array of offensive moves that continually wowed the crowd.

He battled with Jayson Tatum for MVP honors, barely falling short despite finishing with 40 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds.

"I grew up here as a player, as a person, as a man," Mitchell said postgame. "Then to be back here as a starter, to come back here for All-Star, it makes sense."

Tatum took home MVP honors after dropping an All-Star game record 55 points, shooting 22-of-31 from the floor and 10-for-18 from deep. He added 10 rebounds and six assists.

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"Work Smarter, Not Harder" | Everything To Know About The Jazz Following NBA All-Star Weekend

Although it may be his first time experiencing and participating in NBA All-Star Weekend, Walker Kessler already has a bone to pick with the officials.&nbsp;

“I got a goaltend. ... Who calls a goaltend in an All-Star Game?” Kessler asked incredulously and sarcastically postgame.

When asked why he didn’t signal for coach Deron Williams to challenge the call, especially when the home crowd was lobbying for it as if it were the final minutes of a playoff game.

“Man, I wanted to,” Kessler said with a laugh. “I kept saying we should challenge that. … I didn’t think it was a goaltend. If they reversed the call, the stadium would have went crazy.”

While the game had several moments of intensity, Kessler shined on the big stage. Although his team would get bounced in the opening game — falling 40-25 to eventual winners Team Pau (Gasol) — he finished with two points, two blocks, one rebound, and one assist, more than holding his own against the best rookie and sophomores in the league.&nbsp;

“I’m getting a little choked up, it’s cool to hear your name called and the Salt Lake City crowd cheer,” Kessler said. “I couldn’t ask for a better fanbase. … super, super thankful it’s here. Funny how something works like that. Hearing your name called and a whole crowd of people cheering for you."

“It’s important for us to keep perspective,” he added. “That’s really cool, and (it’s important) to be really thankful for that and to understand that we have a big stage and a platform and with a lot of responsibility.”

The good news for Jazz fans is that Kessler’s weekend isn’t over — not by a long shot.&nbsp;

He’s scheduled to compete tomorrow night in the Skills Challenge, representing team Utah alongside Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton, two people Kessler knows will be gunning for the victory.&nbsp;

“You know, Collin and JC, they’re going to want to compete,” Kessler said. “I think we got a real shot at winning it. … We’re teammates, we already have chemistry.”

While he’s right about the chemistry the three of them already possess, they won’t be the only team with chemistry on their side. Also taking part in the skills challenge is Team Antetokounmpo (brothers Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex) and Team Rookie (Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, and Jabari Smith Jr.).

Kessler is focusing on enjoying the weekend, hoping Saturday night turns out better than Friday. He’s got his family and friends in town, meaning the party goes all weekend — even if the most competitive parts are at his home.&nbsp;

“My family is extremely competitive,” he said. “They’ll be like, ‘Hey, congratulations. … Now come get this work in ping-pong.’ But no, they don’t actually give me work in ping pong. … That’s my ping pong table for a reason.”

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"A Little Choked Up" | Kessler Enjoying His First NBA All-Star Weekend Experience

Jeremy Rincon

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PHOTOS | 2023 NBA All-Star Day 1

After 30 years of waiting, NBA All-Star Weekend has finally returned to Salt Lake City.&nbsp;

Serving as the host city and as expected, the Utah Jazz will be taking over the weekend with owners Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade, and players Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton all competing throughout the three-day affair.

Here’s how you can watch all your favorite Jazzmen over the next three days. (All Times MT)

Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game*Date: Friday, Feb. 17*Location: Jon M. Hunstman Center*Time: 5 p.m.*TV: ESPN*Who To Watch: Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade— After being on the same side for the past two years, Smith and Wade will find themselves on opposite ends of the court after being selected as the captains for the game. 

Team Dwyane's coaches are as powerful as it gets in basketball, with two-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA All-Star Game Captain Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic Medalist Lindsey Vonn heading the group. Giannis' brothers, Thanasis and Alex, are also part of the coaching staff. Helping Smith on the sidelines will be Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, two-time WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie, World Series Champion Alex Bregman, and Grammy-nominated rapper Fat Joe. 

2023 Jordan Rising Stars Game*Date: Friday, Feb. 17*Location: Vivint Arena*Time: 7 p.m.*TV: TNT*Tickets: Click HERE*Who To Watch: Former Jazzman Deron Williams, Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry, and rookie center Walker Kessler. — Capping off opening night of NBA All-Star weekend, fans will watch the future stars of tomorrow go head-to-head in a unique and thrilling format.

All three games in Jordan Rising Stars will be played to a Final Target Score, meaning that a game will end with a made basket or a made free throw instead of the clock running out. The semifinal games will be played to a Final Target Score of 40. The final game will be played to a Final Target Score of 25. Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal (Game 1), and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal (Game 2). The winner of Game 1 will meet the winner of Game 2 in the final (Game 3).

NBA All-Star Practice, Presented By AT&T*Date: Saturday, Feb. 18*Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center*Time: 11 am - 11:40 am (East) | 12 pm - 12:40 pm (West)*TV: NBATV*Who To Watch: Lauri Markkanen*Tickets: Click HERE— All-Star practice gives fans a behind-the-scenes experience to see how players and coaches prepare for Sunday's main event. Payers and coaches will participate in the annual Media Day with reporters worldwide. Following the conclusion of the media day, the respective teams will move to the court for live practice.

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night*Date: Saturday, Feb. 18*Location: Vivint Arena*Time: 6 p.m.*TV: TNT*Who To Watch: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, and former Jazzman Karl Malone— Markkanen, who has already been chosen to start the All-Star game, will participate in the 3-Point Contest. He'll be facing Portland's Damian Lillard, New York’s Julius Randle, Boston's Jayson Tatum, Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield, Sacramento's Kevin Huerter, and Miami's Tyler Herro.

Meanwhile, Clarkson, Kessler, and Sexton will represent the Jazz as a three-person team in the Skills Challenge. They'll be facing the Antetokounmpo brothers (Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex) and a rookie team (Orlando's Paolo Banchero, Detroit's Jaden Ivey, and Houston's Jabari Smith Jr.).&nbsp;

Lastly, Malone will be a judge for the Slam Dunk Contest.

NBA All-Star Draft, Presented by Jordan Brand | 72nd NBA All-Star Game*Date: Sunday, Feb. 19*Location: Vivint Arena*Time: 5:30 p.m. (Draft) | 6:30 p.m. (Tipoff)*TV: TNT*Who To Watch: Lauri Markkanen— The weekend's main event is finally here, as the world's best players will showcase their skills in the annual All-Star game. LeBron James (Lakers) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) will serve as captains and select their respective teams 30 minutes before tipoff in a pickup-style draft. 

INTERNATIONAL TVA total of 73 international broadcast partners will televise NBA All-Star 2023. Six international television and digital networks — from China, France, Greece, Mongolia, Poland and Spain — will conduct live onsite commentary from Salt Lake City, and one digital partner — from Vietnam — will broadcast NBA All-Star remotely for the first time.

Fans outside North America will be able to watch Jordan Rising Stars, State Farm All-Star Saturday Night and the NBA All-Star Game through the NBA’s international broadcast partners and NBA League Pass via the NBA App.

Fans around the world will be able to vote for the MVPs of the 2023 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and the NBA All-Star Game via&nbsp;NBA.com&nbsp;and the NBA App with an NBA ID, the league’s new membership program.

Fans around the world can watch NBA All-Star Media Day presented by AT&T, in addition to post-event participant media availabilities throughout the weekend, live on the NBA App.

The NBA App will feature All-Star-related content from 12 countries in six languages.&nbsp; The league’s social media channels around the world will also feature All-Star content throughout the weekend.

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Everything To Know About NBA All-Star Weekend 2023 — Utah Jazz Version

With less than a week before the best basketball players in the world and fans worldwide descend upon Salt Lake City and the state of Utah, the countdown is officially on for NBA All-Star Weekend 2023.&nbsp;

Apart from the typical events associated with All-Star weekend, the Jazz have made it their mission to ensure the four-day showcase is enjoyable for people of all ages.&nbsp;

As a lifelong Jazz fan, Ryan Smith vividly remembers when Utah hosted the NBA All-Star game 30 years ago, and how limited the attractions were for those who couldn't attend the game.&nbsp;

Although he didn't attend the marquee events, Smith recalls the vibe that took over downtown Salt Lake City. With people visiting from all over the world hoping to get a glimpse of the best basketball players, the energy was so palpable that it forever left an impression on him.&nbsp;

Now 30 years later, the NBA All-Star game is again coming back to Salt Lake City — and this time, Smith will have a much more active role. As owners of the Jazz, Smith and his wife, Ashley, have been working nonstop around the clock for the past year to ensure everyone can enjoy All-Star weekend.&nbsp;

"If you think about how many are really for sale, and not given to the league, teams, corporate sponsors, there's not as many tickets as you would think," Smith said. "There's Jam Session. ... We have free events. If people want to go, there's something for everyone. … And that's been really, really important to us, having been in that spot."

NBA CrossoverFriday, Feb. 17-Sunday, Feb. 1912 p.m. – 8 p.m.The weekend-long event will showcase the intersection of basketball and culture through the art, fashion, music, technology, and entertainment surrounding today's game. NBA Crossover will engage fans in its largest footprint to date with immersive experiences, brand activations, live performances, NBA and WNBA appearances, limited edition merchandise and collectibles, art and memorabilia, apparel customization, and more.

It's been 30 years since NBA All-Star Jam Session was first introduced during NBA All-Star in Salt Lake City in 1993. In honor of that special occasion, this year will feature a revamped showing of All-Star's original fan event, including a designated "Jam Session" area with family-focused activities, including NBA-themed games and participatory programming.

GRIT Rail Jam, presented by the Utah Sports Commission, Utah Jazz, and Cactus JackFriday, Feb. 17 | 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 18 | 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.Free to attend for everyone of all ages, the Grit Rail Jam competition is a sensational opportunity for fans wanting to enjoy the energy coming from All-Star weekend festivities. Heavily involved in creating and setting the competition, Travis Scott worked with professional snowboarder and businessman Jeremy Jones to procure a deep roster of athletes for this two-day snowboarding competition.&nbsp;

The two-day event will feature some of the best professional and amateur snowboarders in the country as they look to master the handrails, walls, and ledges at Olympic Park at The Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City. The Amateur Snowboard Competition will take place on Friday, Feb. 17, where the top male and female snowboarders who win will be allowed to join the pro competition the following day. The Professional Snowboard Competition is set to go on Saturday, Feb. 18, with Scott expected to attend.

Cactus Jack Pop-Up ShopThursday. Feb. 16 - Saturday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.As part of The Shop Salt Lake City – an innovative pop-up retail activation that will be hosted at The Gateway – Scott's Cactus Jack collection partnered with Mitchell and Ness to have exclusive product drops throughout the week's events. Located at 16 N. Rio Grand, each day will feature new merchandise being dropped.

Cactus Jack Concert SeriesFriday, Feb. 17 | Saturday, Feb. 18Starting at 8 p.m.Kicking off at The Depot in the Gateway Center, Scott has put together an incredible list of artists to perform an intimate concert series for the nights of February 17 and 18. Don Toliver and Sheck Wes will start the party on Friday night, while Chase B is the Concert Series DJ. Limited to just 1,200 guests per evening, the Cactus Jack Concert Series is officially sold out.

The Shop Salt Lake City | 16 N Rio Grande / 15 S Rio GrandeThursday. Feb. 16 - Saturday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.Perhaps no surprise given its emergence as an integral part of the NBA scene, fashion will take center stage at the newest Jazz-sponsored event announced today. Free to experience, The Shop Salt Lake City is a pop-up retail experience for local and national retailers, with new merchandise being dropped daily.

Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity GameFriday, Feb. 17 | 5 p.m.Jon M. Huntsman CenterAfter being on the same side for the past two years, Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade will find themselves on opposite ends of the court come Friday. Feb. 17. As part of the annual Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at All-Star Weekend, Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, and Wade, minority owner of the Jazz, have been selected as the captains for the game.&nbsp;

Team Dwyane's coaches are as powerful as it gets in basketball, with two-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA All-Star Game Captain Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic Medalist Lindsey Vonn heading the group. Giannis' brothers, Thanasis and Alex, are also part of the coaching staff. Helping Smith on the sidelines will be Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, two-time WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie, World Series Champion Alex Bregman, and Grammy-nominated rapper Fat Joe.&nbsp;

2023 Jordan Rising Stars GameFriday, Feb. 17 | 7 p.m.Vivint ArenaCapping off opening night of NBA All-Star weekend, fans will watch the future stars of tomorrow go head-to-head in a unique and thrilling format — one that will feature Jazz rookie Walker Kessler, former Jazzman Deron Williams, and Utah assistant coach Jason Terry.&nbsp;

The player pool consists of 11/10 NBA rookies, 11/10 second-year NBA players, and seven NBA G League players. The 21 NBA players, selected by NBA assistant coaches, will be drafted onto three seven-player teams. The seven NBA G League players, chosen by the league office, will comprise the fourth team.&nbsp;

NBA All-Star Practice Presented by AT&TSaturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.Jon M. Huntsman CenterAll-Star practice gives fans a behind-the-scenes experience to see how players and coaches prepare for Sunday's main event. Payers and coaches will participate in the annual Media Day with reporters worldwide. Following the conclusion of the media day, the respective teams will move to the court for live practice.

NBA x HBCU Classic Presented by AT&TSaturday, Feb. 18 | 2 p.m.Jon M. Huntsman CenterIn what should be an excellent showdown from the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Southern Jaguars (13-12) will take on the Grambling Tigers (16-8). Each team will play one more time on Monday, Feb. 13 but are currently tied for second place in the conference standings at 9-3 — Alcorn State leads at 10-2.&nbsp;

State Farm All-Star Saturday NightSaturday, Feb. 18 | 6 p.m.Vivint ArenaThe second night of activities will conclude with the fan-favorite event, All-Star Saturday Night. Set to start at 6 p.m. at Vivint Arena, the event is a chance for the best players in the world to show off their respective skills.

The Skills Challenge showcases some of the game's most elite ball handlers and passers with a half-court shot to determine the winner. The 3-Point Shootout features the most elite sharpshooters in the world looking to prove who's the best in the game. Finally, it all wraps up with the fan-favorite and iconic Slam Dunk Contest.&nbsp;

NBA G League Next Up GameSunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m.Jon M Huntsman CenterThe NBA G League will have its top players on display in the NBA G League Next Up Game on. The game will feature the sport's next generation of talent with NBA G League players, NBA & G League two-way players, and draft-eligible prospects expected to participate. This matchup will feature future NBA stars, including players from G League Ignite, and the Salt Lake Stars, among others. For the first time ever, fans could vote for their favorite players to complete this competitive lineup.

72nd NBA All-Star GameSunday, Feb. 19 | 6 p.m.Vivint ArenaThe weekend's main event is finally here, as the world's best players will showcase their skills in the annual All-Star game. LeBron James (Lakers) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) will serve as captains and select their respective teams 30 minutes before tipoff in a pickup-style draft.&nbsp;

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"Something For Everyone" | Everything To Know About NBA All-Star Weekend 2023

Call it fate, call it whatever you want.&nbsp;

On Friday, Feb. 17, Utah rookie center Walker Kessler will suit up for former Jazz All-Star Deron Williams and Team Deron in the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars Challenge. Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry will coach Team Jason and its seven NBA G League players.

While his numbers may not jump off the page — 52 games (18 starts) where he's averaging 7.9 points (71.5% shooting), 7.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 20.4 minutes per game — Kessler more than passes the eye test and analytics.&nbsp;

His per-36 minutes stats are Gobert-esque; 13.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks on 71.5% shooting. His numbers as a starter prove that he's ready for the bigger role that's come his way, averaging 10.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 25.8 minutes per game.

Kessler leads all rookies in Win Shares, Box Plus-Minus, and Value Over Replacement Player, to name a few. His 2.1 blocks per game rank fifth in the NBA — one of two players in the top 10 averaging less than 26 minutes per game. His 107 blocks rank fifth in the NBA (first among rookies).

"It's funny how everything works out," Kessler said. "The fact that I'll be in the city where I play, representing the team, I wouldn’t want to represent any other city. The fanbase has been unbelievable, I love them.”

Kessler becomes the 15th Jazz player to participate in a Rising Stars or rookie challenge, joining Bryon Russell (1994), Andrei Kirilenko (2002, 2003), Deron Williams (2006, 2007), Paul Millsap (2007, 2008), Ronnie Brewer (2008), Derrick Favors (2012), Gordon Hayward (2012), Trey Burke (2014, 2015), Rodney Hood (2015), Rudy Gobert (2015), Danté Exum (2015, 2017), Raul Neto (2016), Trey Lyles (2016, 2017), and Donovan Mitchell (2018, 2019).

"I feel good. ... Super thankful to my teammates, coaching staff because I wouldn’t be able to do it without them," Kessler said. " It's very exciting. ... I'm very blessed because this year was about learning and absorbing as much information going forward."

The player pool consists of 11/10 NBA rookies, 11/10 second-year NBA players, and seven NBA G League players. The 21 NBA players, selected by NBA assistant coaches, will be drafted onto three seven-player teams. The seven NBA G League players, chosen by the league office, will comprise the fourth team. &nbsp; &nbsp;

All three games in Jordan Rising Stars will be played to a Final Target Score, meaning that a game will end with a made basket or a made free throw instead of the clock running out. The semifinal games will be played to a Final Target Score of 40. The final game will be played to a Final Target Score of 25.

Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal (Game 1), and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal (Game 2). The winner of Game 1 will meet the winner of Game 2 in the final (Game 3).

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"Funny How Everything Works Out" | Kessler To Play For Former Jazzman Deron Williams In Rising Stars Challenge

After roaming the sidelines for the Utah Jazz this season, Jason Terry will find himself in a smilier role throughout All-Star weekend.&nbsp;

Announced Tuesday afternoon, Terry has been selected to coach in the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars game as part of the NBA All-Star 2023 in Salt Lake City. Joining Terry as another coach is former Jazzman Deron Williams, a three-time All-Star.

Terry joined new head coach Will Hardy’s staff this season, bringing a certain level of veteran leadership after playing in the NBA for 19 years.&nbsp;

After winning a national championship with Arizona, Terry was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 10 overall pick in the 1999 draft. He played five seasons for the Hawks but never reached the postseason. Terry was then traded to Dallas in 2004, suiting up for the Mavericks for eight years, where he had the greatest success of his career.&nbsp;

He was named the NBA’s Sixth man of the Year in 2009 before helping Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas with the 2011 NBA title. The Mavericks defeated Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and the Miami Heat 4-2 to pull off one of the greatest upsets in NBA history /

Terry would later finish his career playing for Boston, Brooklyn, Houston, and Milwaukee before returning in 2018. He averaged 13.4 points and 2.8 assists on 38% shooting from three throughout his career.&nbsp;

Taken by the Jazz with the No. 3 pick in the 2005 draft, Williams helped lead the Jazz into a new era following the departures/retirements of John Stockton and Karl Malone.&nbsp;

Taking over as the starter midway through his rookie year, Williams because a stalwart for the Jazz. When partnered with Carlos Boozer, they formed arguably the most dominant pick-and-roll in the league during their time in Utah.&nbsp;

In six seasons with the Jazz, Williams averaged 17.3 points, 9.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game while being named to the All-Star teams in 2010 and 2011. He also won the Skills Challenge at the 2008 All-Star game.&nbsp;

He would finish his career by suiting up for Brooklyn, Dallas, and Cleveland before retiring in 2017. Throughout his 12-year career, Williams averaged 16.3 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game and was a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection.

The player pool consists of 11/10 NBA rookies, 11/10 second-year NBA players, and seven NBA G League players. The 21 NBA players, selected by NBA assistant coaches, will be drafted onto three seven-player teams. The seven NBA G League players, chosen by the league office, will comprise the fourth team. &nbsp;

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Jason Terry And Deron Williams Set To Coach In 2023 Jordan Rising Stars Game

Among Walker Kessler's many goals for his career in the NBA and life, in general, is opening up a chain of Waffle House restaurants and being an NBA starter.&nbsp;

Although the Waffle Houses may have to wait a little longer, Kessler has already achieved one goal after moving into the starting lineup for the Jazz over the past few weeks.&nbsp;

Announced on Tuesday afternoon, Kessler has been named to the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars game at NBA All-Star Weekend. The game is set to tipoff on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. MT at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. &nbsp;

Initially drafted by Minnesota last June, Kessler was part of the trade that sent former Jazzman Rudy Gobert to the Timberwolves in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt, Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, and multiple first round draft picks and swaps.&nbsp;

While many in the media focused on Utah's addition of Vanderbilt, Beasley, and Beverley — as well as the picks — lost amongst the shuffle was the only guy who had yet to step on an NBA court.&nbsp;

Kessler entered the NBA as an elite college shot blocker — but it was assumed he didn't offer much else on the offensive end, at least initially. Fast forward to February, and the player who was once considered an afterthought in one of the biggest trades of the last decade looks like a contender to make the All-Rookie team.&nbsp;

"The physical tools that he has allows him to have an opportunity to be successful," head coach Will Hardy said of his rookie big man. "He's shown so much growth on both ends of the floor. I think defense probably comes natural to Walker in a lot of ways, but his ability to learn the offense on the fly has been tremendous."

While his numbers may not jump off the page — 49 games (15 starts) where he's averaging 7.7 points (71.5% shooting), 7.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 20.2 minutes per game — Kessler more than passes the eye test and analytics.&nbsp;

His per-36 minutes stats are Gobert-esque; 13.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks on 71.5% shooting. His numbers as a starter prove that he's ready for the bigger role that's come his way, averaging 10.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 26.0 minutes per game.

Kessler leads all rookies in Win Shares, Box Plus-Minus, and Value Over Replacement Player, to name a few. His 2.0 blocks per game rank sixth in the NBA — one of two players in the top 10 averaging less than 26 minutes per game. His 96 blocks rank fifth in the NBA (first among rookies), and among first-year players, his points per game average is ranked 12th, and rebounds ranked second.

"It's vital to have a guy that can make plays and be unselfish with it," point guard Mike Conley said of Kessler's offense. "He's a guy that's big enough to go finish over anybody, but he understands his role for where he's gotta be the guy that finds the open man and make the read. … He's been learning and doing a lot of studying, so he's been really good."

Kessler's best game of the season came two weeks ago against the Timberwolves when he finished with 20 points, a career-high 21 rebounds, and two blocks. He also added four assists, a huge development that he's finally catching up to the speed of the game.

His 20-point, 20-rebound performance was the first by a rookie in the NBA since 2014 — and he was the first rookie since Alonzo Mourning (1992-93) to put up those numbers on 65% shooting or better.

"It's funny how everything works out," Kessler said. "The fact that I'll be in the city where I play, representing the team, I wouldn’t want to represent any other city. The fanbase has been unbelievable, I love them."

opportunity-to-be-successful-utah-rookie-walker-kessler-named-to-2023-jordan-rising-stars-game

"Opportunity To Be Successful" | Utah Rookie Walker Kessler Named To 2023 Jordan Rising Stars Game

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