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On Wednesday, the NBA announced that Washington Wizards forwards Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija were named to the Rising Stars roster for the 2020-21 NBA season which features only rookies and sophomores. They were two of the 10 players on Team World.
Our Rising Stars. #NBAAllStar | @rui_8mura
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 3, 2021
In a typical year, there will be a game featuring Team World vs. Team USA during All-Star Weekend which starts this Friday in Atlanta. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the game itself will not be held. That said, it is still a good gesture by the NBA to keep the tradition of naming teams going, even if there is no actual game given the times that we are in.
Hachimura is averaging 12.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game this season as the team’s starting power forward. Avdija is averaging 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds this season where he is currently playing as a reserve, though he began this season as a starter.