Kenneth Faried was named MVP on Friday night in the second Rising Stars Challenge. The game, formerly known as the Rookie Challenge, featured teams of rookies and sophomores coached by Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.
Faried turning heads in Houston

Scott HalleranWhile the box score for the 40-minute game exposes the all-star style of play employed (see: option to play defense rarely exercised), Faried emerging as the MVP was a bit surprising considering this type of game normally highlights flashy guard play.
It is hard to tell which is more amusing - the sight of that shot chart or the fact that the shot chart exists in the first place. Regardless, it does cut to the chase with Faried’s successful showcase in the Rising Stars Challenge.
Read Article >Faried puts on dunking display one night early

USA TODAY SportsFaried is known for his athleticism, but he’s also known for making hustle plays. He was often the only player on the court making any effort to make plays on defense during Friday’s game, contesting virtually every shot, even trying to block a few dunks.
“We didn’t wanna come home with no loss,” Faried told TNT’s Craig Sager after the game. “I’m out there to have fun and enjoy myself.”
Read Article >A layup in a dunk contest


That’s not fair, Kyrie Irving


What is this? How is this possible??
Read Article >Oops, Tyler Zeller


Crazy green shoes invade Rising Stars Challenge


We’ve seen some pretty funky fashion statements so far at All Star Weekend in Houston, but these shoes are something else. I must have missed the memo, but several players in the Rising Stars Challenge busted out these very bright green shoes.
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