New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Nicolo Melli will replace injured Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton on the World Team in the 2020 NBA Rising Stars, the NBA announced on Thursday.
Ayton, a native of The Bahamas, has missed the Suns’ past two games due to a sore left ankle and will not participate in the event on Friday at All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
With the World Team down a player, the NBA selected Melli, from Italy, to replace Ayton. Melli is averaging 6.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 42 games this season with the Pelicans.
The 26th Rising Stars game will pit 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against 10 first- and second-year NBA players from around the world in the league’s annual showcase.
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In addition to Ayton, Miami Heat rookie Tyler Herro will also miss the Rising Stars Game due to an ankle injury. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton was selected to replace Herro.
Melli will join Pelicans rookie teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the World Team while both will face off against Zion Williamson, who was selected to play for the U.S.
NBA Rising Stars will tip-off Friday at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
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