NEW ORLEANS – The NBA announced today that Pelicans rookie forward Nicolò Melli has been added as an injury replacement for the Rising Stars Game at NBA All-Star Weekend. Melli, a native of Italy, will replace Phoenix Suns center DeAndre Ayton (Bahamas) on Team World due to an ankle injury. Melli will join fellow Pelicans rookies Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Team World – Canada) and Zion Williamson (Team USA) in the Rising Stars Game, which will take place at the United Center on Friday, February 14 at 8:00 p.m. CT on TNT and ESPN Radio in the United States.
Melli, 6-9, 235, has appeared in 42 games this season (six starts), averaging 6.