James Wiseman and Mychal Mulder selected for NBA Rising Stars rosters

There won’t be a Rising Stars Game this year, as All-Star weekend is being condensed to one day of limited events, to limit the spread of the coronavirus. But the NBA is still naming players to the Rising Stars rosters, to reward well-performing youngsters around the league.

And two members of the Golden State Warriors made roster this year, with rookie James Wiseman being selected for Team USA, and second-year sharpshooter Mychal Mulder making Team World.

It used to be that the game featured one roster of rookies and one roster of second-year players. Now it’s separated by nationality, though it’s still just for players in their first two seasons.

Wiseman, who was selected second overall in November’s draft, has had a strong rookie season, though he missed a lot of time with a sprained wrist. In 24 games and 20.6 minutes a night, he’s averaging 12.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 51.5% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc.

He’s joined on Team USA by LaMelo Ball (rookie, Charlotte Hornets), Anthony Edwards (rookie, Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (rookie, Sacramento Kings), Tyler Herro (sophomore, Miami Heat), De’Andre Hunter (sophomore, Atlanta Hawks), Keldon Johnson (sophomore, San Antonio Spurs), Ja Morant (sophomore, Memphis Grizzlies), Michael Porter Jr. (sophomore, Denver Nuggets), and Zion Williamson (sophomore, New Orleans Pelicans).

Mulder, who recently had his contract fully guaranteed, is carving out a role in the NBA, and has appeared in 32 of the Warriors’ 35 games. In 10.8 minutes a night he’s averaging 4.2 points and shooting 41.9% from three-point range.

He’s joined on Team World by Precious Achiuwa (rookie, Miami Heat), Deni Avdija (rookie, Washington Wizards), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (sophomore, New Orleans Pelicans), RJ Barrett (sophomore, New York Knicks), Facundo Campazzo (rookie, Denver Nuggets), Brandon Clarke (sophomore, Memphis Grizzlies), Luguentz Dort (sophomore, Oklahoma City Thunder), Rui Hachimura (sophomore, Washington Wizards), and Theo Maledon (rookie, Oklahoma City Thunder).

It’s the first time two Warriors have been selected for the game since 2013, when both Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes made the teams.

Eric Paschall was selected last year, and led Team USA with 23 points on 10-for-13 shooting.

Congrats to Wiseman and Mulder on the honor.