On February 2, Beijing time, the NBA officially announced the list of players for the 2022 All-Star Rookie Challenge. The format of this rookie tournament will be reformed, and 28 players from 4 teams will play a total of 3 games to compete for the final championship. The players are made up of 12 first-year players, 12 second-year players and 4 G-League Ignition players. Zeng Fanbo, a Chinese player who plays for the Ignition team, was not selected.
The NBA players who participate are voted by the NBA assistant coaches, and the players who participate in the Ignition Team are voted by the head coach of the G League. The officially announced list of participating players is as follows :
First-year rookies (12): Wagner (Magic), Barnes (Raptors), Mobley (Cavaliers), Shinkin (Rockets), Herbert Jones (Pelicans), Mitchell (Kings), Cunningham (Pistons), Duarte (Pacers), Gidey (Thunder), Dorsam (Bulls), Jaylen Green (Rockets), Sargs (Magic).
Second-year players (12 players): Achuva (Raptors), Bay (Pistons), McDaniels (Timberwolves), Ocorro (Cavaliers), Stewart (Pistons), Tate (Rockets), Kell Anthony (Magic), Bane (Grizzlies), Three-Goal (Hornets), Edwards (Timberwolves), Halliburton (Kings), Maxi (76ers).
G-League Ignition (4 players): Baldkamp, Daniels, Hardy, Henderson
The four teams will be divided into two groups to play two semi-finals, with the winner playing another final. The way to win a match is to win the team that reaches the target score first. The target score for the semi-finals is 50 points, while the target score for the finals is 25 points. The final champion will score 75 points in two games, which is set to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NBA.
In addition, the rookie game will play a "key ball challenge" during the intermission of the second and third games, and 8 NBA players and development league players will be divided into 4 duos for shooting games. According to the schedule, the NBA Rookie Tournament will be held on February 19, Beijing time, can the format change bring more exciting games? Let's wait and see.