NEW ORLEANS — OK, let’s be honest: the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge is not the biggest draw of NBA All-Star Weekend.
Sure, it’s fun to watch some of the best and most exciting first- and second-year players in the league strut their stuff in a defense-optional, highlight-hopeful contest featuring plenty of springs and no shortage of youthful exuberance. But, as is often the case with such exhibitions, it can be difficult to take much of consequence away from a player’s participation in the former Rookie-Sophomore game.
Unless, of course, you’re one of those first- or second-year players.