Past Sixers In the Rising Stars Challenge

Feb 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) brings the ball up court during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center. The Celtics defeated the Sixers 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Last time I posted a list like this, it was in 2011. This post is a brief summary of who has participated in the Rising Stars Challenge. The name has been changed a few times, but, the idea remains the same: Rookies and Sophomores of the NBA play in an exhibition game that (I guess) is designed to get us excited about the league’s future stars.

As you know, Michael Carter-Williams will be participating in the game. And, as a leader in the rookie of the year race, he seems to be a favorite to really put on a show.

It got me thinking though: How many Sixers have played in that game? I’ve seen Kyle Korver, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday, and Evan Turner play. Andre won MVP with the sophomores. But here is the full list of players:

Shawn Bradley played in 1994. In 20 minutes, he shot 4 for 9 (44%) for 8 points and had 2 rebounds. He was actually on the team called the Sensations. They lost to the Phenoms 74-68.

The next year, Sixers had Sharone Wright play for the Green team. Oh yeah, the Green team. They went against the White team. Odd colors if you ask me. Anyway, Wright shot 50% and had 6 points and 2 rebounds. White won in OT 83-79. White scored the only 4 points in OT.

Next year the teams went as East vs West. Jerry Stackhouse had 15 points on 56% FG and 4 for 4 shooting from the line. He had 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 24 minutes. His East team won 94-92.

Next year, Allen Iverson played for the East. His performance of 64% FG and 63% from the line for 19 points, along with 4 rebounds and 9 assists, got him the game MVP. 26 minutes.

Sixers continue their appearance streak the next year with Tim Thomas. He shot 50% and 3 for 3 on the line. He had 9 points and 5 rebounds. East won 85-80.

No game in 1999.

In 2000, Todd McCulloch played only 9 minutes. This is also the first official Rookie-Sophomore game. The previous games were East vs West, Green vs White and, Sensations vs Phenoms. Still young talent, but the games were between rookies. Now sophomores were up against rookies. McCulloch shot 33% for 4 points with 5 rebounds. Rookies win in OT 92-83.

After many years of Sixers in the game, it wouldn’t be another Sixer in the game until 2005. Kyle Korver plays for the Sophomores and Andre Iguodala for the Rookies. Let’s start with Korver. He scored 21 points, all on 3-pointers. Yes, he went 7-10 from outside going 7-11 overall. He has the most 3-pointers in a Rookie-Sophomore game. He grabbed 2 rebounds and dished out 1 assist. Iguodala had a solid game too. 11 points at 71% shooting to go with 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Korver’s team get’s the last laugh as the Sophomores beat the Rookies 133-106.

But, a year later, Iguodala brings the MVP award home with an impressive 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. All on 77% shooting. sophomores win 106-96. I thought it was cool that both “A.I.s” won the MVP award as Allen Iverson won it as well.

Thaddeus Young comes in with the Sophomores in 2009 with a nice performance. 13 points on 86% shooting. He also had 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Sophomores win 122-116.

In 2011, Jrue Holiday joined up with the Sophomores. He had 10 points on 44% shooting, with two rebounds and four assists. His team lost 140-148.

In 2012, the format changed to its current version. Now, Rookies and Sophomores would be part of a pool and, I’m guessing NBA legends then pick players in a mock draft. This particular year was Team Chuck vs Team Shaq. Evan Turner was selected by Chuck and was a starter. He shot well as we scored 16 points 8-9 shooting. He also had 11 rebounds and seven assists, proving his all around game. His team won 146-133.

In all the Sixers had 10 players (Iguodala twice) represent them in the Rising Stars challenge. I can’t wait to see how Carter-Williams does. How will he stack up against the past Sixers? Hit the comments!