Mac McClung will try for a third straight title in the 2025 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest.
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• NBA All-Star 2025: Complete coverage
The NBA’s brightest young stars are set to take center stage during the 2025 Castrol Rising Stars, part of NBA All-Star 2025, held at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This showcase event mirrors the All-Star Game mini-tournament, featuring four teams of seven players each. The NBA player roster includes notable rookies and sophomores, while the fourth team comprises top G League talent, offering a fresh perspective on upcoming star power.
The NBA player pool was announced, featuring players such as Bilal Coulibaly, Amen Thompson, Zach Edey, and Zaccharie Risacher, the 2024 first-overall pick. Among the standouts representing the G League are Mac McClung, Reed Sheppard, Bryce McGowens, JD Davison, Leonard Miller, Pat Spencer, and Dink Pate, each ready to make their mark at All-Star Weekend.
Mac McClung – Osceola Magic (Orlando Magic)
G League regular-season stats: 23.9 pts, 6.2 ast, 4.2 reb, 0.6 stl, 33.8 min
Mac McClung made headlines during All-Star Weekend in 2023 by becoming the first G League player to participate and win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He repeated his triumph in 2024, defeating Jaylen Brown. This year, McClung aims for a three-peat, mirroring the Kansas City Chiefs’ NFL dynasty.
Moving to the Orlando Magic on an Exhibit 10 deal, McClung later earned a two-way contract. His lone NBA appearance came in a game against the Grizzlies, but he has primarily played in the G League, showcasing his skills and potential.
Reed Sheppard – Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets)
NBA stats: 3.2 pts, 1.3 reb, 1.2 ast, 0.5 stl, 11.2 min
Selected by the Houston Rockets No. 3 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Reed Sheppard has shown promise throughout his career, including a standout performance in the Summer League. After a brief stint with the Rockets, Sheppard was sent to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on January 6, where he immediately made an impact with a 49-point game.
Returning to the Rockets on January 12, Sheppard has demonstrated resilience and versatility, playing key roles in his team’s lineup.
Bryce McGowens – Rip City Remix (Portland Trail Blazers)
G League stats: 29.0 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.1 ast, 1.4 stl, 36.0 min
Bryce McGowens emerged as a promising player after averaging 16.8 points and 5.2 rebounds during his college tenure at Nebraska. Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, he has played for both Charlotte and Portland, showcasing his skills primarily in the G League.
Currently the leading scorer in the G League regular season, McGowens has recently been included in the Portland Trail Blazers’ rotation, mixing depth and potential.
JD Davison – Maine Celtics (Boston Celtics)
G League regular-season stats: 22.2 pts, 7.3 ast, 4.4 reb, 1.7 stl, 33.7 min.
Selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, JD Davison has struggled to find a significant role in the NBA, appearing in just 25 games over three seasons. However, his G League career has been exceptional; he currently leads the Maine Celtics in assists and ranks second in scoring.
With a chance to join Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in representing the Celtics at All-Star 2025, Davison aims to further elevate his career trajectory.
Leonard Miller – Iowa Wolves (Minnesota Timberwolves)
G League Tip-Off Tournament stats: 24.4 pts, 11.8 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.2 blk, 0.9 stl, 37.9 min
Leonard Miller’s journey began with the NBA G League Ignite, where he averaged 18.0 points and 11.0 rebounds. Drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller was later traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite limited NBA appearances, he has been a standout performer in the G League, especially during the 2024-25 Tip-Off Tournament, where he averaged 24.4 points and 11.8 rebounds with impressive efficiency.
Pat Spencer – Santa Cruz Warriors (Golden State Warriors)
NBA stats: 2.4 pts, 1.5 ast, 1.3 reb, 6.8 min
Pat Spencer spent most of the 2023-24 season in the G League, averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He signed a two-way deal with the Golden State Warriors in February 2024 and has made short appearances for the team, averaging 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in his recent games.
Dink Pate – Mexico City Capitanes
G League stats: 9.5 pts, 4.2 reb, 1.5 ast, 0.8 stl, 22.1 min
Dink Pate took an unconventional path to professional basketball, signing with the NBA G League Ignite at age 17, making him the youngest player to join the development team. After the Ignite program ended, he transitioned to playing for the Mexico City Capitanes. With his upcoming eligibility for the 2025 NBA Draft, Pate aims to prove himself as a potential star in professional basketball.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Rising Stars game promises to be an electrifying event, featuring top talent from both the NBA and G League. Fans can expect to witness the emergence of future NBA superstars as these players compete for glory,
Ready to witness the future of the NBA? Get NBA League Pass TODAY and experience the action from the comfort of your home. Don’t miss out on the thrilling competition at NBA All-Star 2025!
