The much-anticipated NBA All-Star weekend is finally upon us. One event that has garnered rave reviews this year is the Panini Rising Star, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. For a third consecutive season, this annual showcase will pit the brightest up-and-coming stars in the league and give the world a glimpse into what the NBA’s future has in store for the fans. But before the tip-off, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren have exciting Kevin Durant stories to share.

Chet Holmgren’s journey is a tale of perseverance and unwavering dedication. After a delayed start to his NBA career due to a Linsfranc injury, the rim-protecting big man has recovered impressively, even leading his team, the OKC Thunder, to the second seed in the conference. As he worked his way back from the foot injury, he ramped up his on-court workouts last summer with pickup games in Los Angeles, alongside former Thunder Kevin Durant. The Hollywood workouts also included other stars from the league, including Trae Young, Jalen Green, and Michael Porter Jr., but the Gonzaga standout was always the first in the gym.

When asked about the same before his Panini Rising Star game tonight, Holmgren divulged, “I don’t know, I just always show up early to things. Part of it is also cause I’m young and I did grow up in LA. And when you drive out there, you gotta take into account that there might be two hours of traffic…But shoutout to Adam and Kev [Kevin Durant] and his people, you know, to allow me to get some good working. It’s always appreciated.”

Another player to ride the Kevin Durant hype train was former ROY Paolo Banchero. When asked who, according to him, is the toughest player to guard in the league, he wasted no breath answering, “Kevin Durant.”

The two KD fans will now be locking horns in a few hours as Team Tamika, headlined by 21-year-old Paolo Banchero, takes on Team Jalen, bannered by Chet Holmgren.

Team Tamika vs. Team Jalen

This year’s event will be a mini-tournament of four seven-player teams featuring 21 first- and second-year NBA players and seven G League players. The 21-player pool consisting of rookies and sophomores will be coached by three legends of the game, Pau Gasol, Jalen Rose, and the WNBA’s Tamika Catchings, while a fourth team, made up of seven G League standouts, will be coached by Detlef Schrempf.

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This will be Banchero’s second Rising Star game. With this selection, he etched his name in the history books, becoming only the fifth player in league history to appear in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge, All-Star Saturday Night, and the All-Star game on the same weekend. Apart from him, Team Tamika boasts a strong lineup featuring Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Keegan Murray, Scoot Henderson, Keyonte George, Dyson Daniels, and Vince Williams Jr. 

However, Team Jalen, featuring some of the best new-gen big men, will be giving them a run for their money. Other than Holmgren, Team Jalen includes Jalen Williams, Bennedict Mathurin, Shaedon Sharpe, Dereck Lively II, Jordan Hawkins, Walker Kessler, and Walker Kessler.

Which team do you think will qualify for the Finals? Let us know in the comments!

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