Denver Nuggets rookie Bones Hyland on Friday called it a surreal feeling to compete in the NBA Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio.
Hyland on Thursday was named as an injury replacement for Sacramento Kings rookie Davion Mitchell in the annual showcase game. He has emerged as a key contributor for the Nuggets this season and was viewed as perhaps the top snub from the initial voting.
The 26th pick is averaging 8.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and two assists in 46 games this season. He leads all rookies in free-throw percentage (88.1) and ranks third in 3-pointers made (79). He has recorded 16 games with 10 or more points, including three games with at least 20 points.
He found out on Wednesday night he would compete in the game.
I get into the locker room and Coach just walked up to me smiling and clapping. He gave me a big hug and congratulated me. (He said): ‘Congratulations, Bones. It was well-deserved. You should have been in it. It was well-deserved for you. I’m so proud of you. Congratulations, you’re going to Cleveland!’
The Nuggets experienced a dramatic ending versus the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday as Monte Morris hit the game-winning shot as time expired. The win was their third straight victory as the team is sixth in the Western Conference heading into the break.
They were in the midst of celebrating the shot by Morris and the victory in the locker room when they started applauding Hyland for the Rising Stars selection, as Hyland recalled on Friday.
That felt great. There are no words to even describe that moment. Just from Monte hitting the game-winner to guys in the locker room throwing water showers, spraying Monte with all of the water. DeMarcus came up and sprayed him with Pedialyte. Them vibes were so immaculate. It was so great and then, out of nowhere, they started pouring water on me as the Rising Star. It was just so fun in the locker room. It is a great team. I love the team.
Hyland will replace Mitchell on Team Payton, which is named for Gary Payton, one of four members of the 75th-anniversary team serving as Rising Stars honorary coaches. Hyland will be teammates with LaMelo Ball and Scottie Barnes among others.
Vibes = Immaculate
⭐️ @BizzyBones11 pic.twitter.com/VPmGMAz4w7
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 18, 2022
The opportunity to compete against his peers in a showcase game on a national stage will be a big moment for Hyland. The selection for Hyland will be something he remembers for a long time.
“Anything I get recognition of for my name, I’m always proud,” Hyland said. “I don’t care what it is or what accolade it is. I’m always proud because, at the end of the day, so many people want to be in my position and want their name recognized, as well.”
The Rising Stars game will tip off on Friday at 9 p.m. EST on TNT.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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