The NBA unveiled on Friday the 10 first- and second-year players selected to participate in the Rising Stars Game at All-Star Weekend next month in Chicago.
Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and R.J. Barrett headlined the list of rookies selected to participate in the annual showcase game of the top, young players the league has to offer.
Of course, some felt as though there were some notable players snubbed from the game.
New Orleans Pelicans veteran Jrue Holiday was not happy on Friday to learn his rookie teammate Jaxson Hayes did not make the cut, although the Pelicans also sent Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the game, as well.
At least one other person was upset with the voting: The agent for Matisse Thybulle.
In a statement to Yahoo Sports, Eric Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management ripped the assistant coaches, who are responsible for the voting, for leaving his client off of the roster.
Matisse Thybulle’s agent Eric Goodwin submits statement to @YahooSports on behalf of client being snubbed from Rising Stars game. Notice reference to “ASSistant coaches.” pic.twitter.com/Fu7Y3HVjR1
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 31, 2020
NBA assistant coaches selected the Rising Stars rosters, with each of the league’s 30 teams submitting one ballot per coaching staff.
A ballot consisted of four frontcourt players, four guards and two additional players at either position group for each team. Voters also had to choose a minimum of three first-year NBA players and three second-year NBA players for each team.
Coaches were not permitted to vote for any player on their team.
Thybulle has become one of the top defenders in the NBA this season in just his first year. He currently leads all rookies in steals (64) and his 1.6 steals per game is eighth among all players. In addition, Thybulle is fourth in deflections per 36 minutes after logging just 20 minutes a game.
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