Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell revealed earlier this month that he declined the opportunity to defend his Slam Dunk Contest title because he found the experience too draining, and he would rather conserve his energy for the regular-season stretch run.
On Tuesday night, it was revealed that Mitchell was selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge, which features rookies and second-year players in a USA vs. World format.
Mitchell was one of 10 players named to the U.S. team, along with former University of Utah star and now-Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma; Kuzma’s L.A. teammate Lonzo Ball; the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum; the Kings' De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley; Atlanta’s Trae Young and John Collins; Brooklyn’s Jarrett Allen; and Memphis’ Jaren Jackson.