The NBA All-Star Weekend tips off with a jam-packed Friday night, highlighted by the thrilling Rising Stars Challenge, which showcases the league’s brightest young talent, and this year, the Washington Wizards will be front and center.
Washington has sent three players from their tremendous young core to the Rising Stars mini-tournament at the Intuit Dome. This marks the second time in franchise history the Wizards have had three representatives in the event and Washington’s third-straight season with at least one rookie in the challenge.
The tournament is set to feature four teams competing in a three-game, bracket-style format highlighting the NBA’s top rookies and second-year players.
The CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, Ted Leonsis, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his excitement about Washington franchises being showcased during NBA All-Star Weekend this year.
“Excited to see our Washington Wizards Rising Stars and Capital City Go Go G League athletes take the stage on one of the NBA’s biggest weekends,” Leonsis wrote. “A major moment and milestone, as the Wizards become just the third team to send three or more players to All-Star events in consecutive seasons.The future is bright. Wishing our guys a great weekend in LA.”
Team T-Mac Will Feature Tre Johnson And Bub Carrington
Guard Tre Johnson and guard Bub Carrington will represent the Washington Wizards on T-Mac, coached by NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, in the 2026 Rising Stars Competition.
Johnson earned his spot on the rookie team after an impressive rookie debut campaign. The former Texas Longhorns standout is averaging 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 38.6% at the three-pointer.
“I’m excited just for the experience and to be out there, to be honest,” said Johnson. “It’s just a blessing, I would say.”
The Wizards’ rookie has already recorded 81 three-pointers, the most by a Wizards through his first 37 career games in franchise history and is ranked second among NBA rookies this season to have 27 multi-three games this season (behind Hornets guard Kon Knueppel). Johnson’s shooting stroke and confidence has quickly made him one of Washington’s most exciting weapons within their young core.
Carrington, who will be joining Johnson on Team T-Mac, was named a replacement after his teammate, center Alex Sarr, was sidelined for two weeks due to a right hamstring strain. The second-year guard from Baltimore has appeared in all 53 games for Washington this year, averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, while shooting 36.1% from three. Carrington’s steady playmaking and perimeter scoring add another dynamic element to the Wizards’ representation at All-Star weekend.
“He’s growing daily, we’ve liked how he’s been playing,” said Wizards’ Head Coach Brian Keefe. “He sets the tempo for us on offense. He really pushes the pace. Obviously you can see the shooting, when he shoots from three, off the catch, off the dribble. Like a lot of our guys, they’re learning and growing, developing in this league, and learning what it takes on a night-to-night basis. But he sets a good standard for us, bringing a level of intensity and a joy to the game that we love.”
Team Vince Will Feature KyShawn George
The Wizards’ third representative, Kyshawn George, will suit up for Team Vince, coached by eight-time NBA All-Star Vince Carter.
George has had an impressive performance so far this season, averaging 15.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 34.4% from three, and will be bringing his all-around versatility and play-making impact to the 2026 Rising Stars Competition.
“It just feels good to, you know, have that recognition and I’m excited to go out there with my guys at the Wizards,” said George.
A Glimpse of a Bright Future for Washington
With three rising talents featured in tonight’s 2026 Rising Stars Competition, the Wizards will also be showcasing a glimpse of their franchise’s future.
With newly acquired veterans, Trae Young and Anthony Davis being reevaluated for injuries after the All-Star break, the Wizards’ young core has been campaigning a huge comeback in Washington, signaling a bright future ahead for the franchise.
“Adding Trae Young and Anthony Davis, we want to see those guys together with our young core who’s gonna be the core that carries us moving forward and see how they blend and they mix, and build some chemistry towards the end of the year, into the summer, and into the beginning of next season,” said Wizards’ general manager Will Dawkins. “We still have a little bit of flexibility to add to the team in the summer and hopefully the lottery gods have our favor and we can add another high-level young talent in June.”
The 2026 Rising Stars Competition is set to tip off at 9 p.m. EST at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and can be watched on NBC’s Peacock.