ICYMI: Two Kings Headed to NBA's Rising Stars Challenge

The Kings may not have had anybody selected to the All-Star Game, but they'll still be well represented during NBA's All-Star Weekend. It was announced yesterday that Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic were selected to the Rising Stars Challenge, an event the NBA has had since 1994.

Hield and Bogdanovic will be the 1st Kings to play in this game since Isaiah Thomas represented Sacramento back in 2013.

Hield, in his 2nd year out of Oklahoma, will be one year removed from being traded to the Kings when All-Star Weekend arrives. In his 1st full season as a King, Hield is averaging 12.5 PPG in just over 24 minutes a contest. Hield is also shooting 43.8% from 3, which ranks 6th among qualified players in the league.

Bogdanovic, in his 1st NBA season, will be the oldest player competing in the challenge this year. His numbers don't scream at you, however, Bogdanovic has arguably been the Kings best, most consistent player over the past few weeks. With averages of 11.4 Points in just under 27 Minutes, Bogdan will have every opportunity to build on his solid beginning to his NBA career, as the Kings have vowed to showcase their youth the rest of the season. And moves of some veteran guards on Sacramento's roster would do nothing but ensure Bogdanovic a lead role in the Kings offense, if he didn't have one already.

Despite Hield and Bogdanovic being 1st and 2nd year players, they will be on the same team come All-Star Weekend. The two Kings will be playing for the World Team. The NBA switched from a Rookie vs Sophomore format to a World vs USA one, back in 2015.

This years' Rising Stars Challenge is loaded with future stars, as it usually is. Kings fans should feel pretty good having not one, but two representatives. Make sure you turn into TNT on Friday, February 16th at 9 p.m. ET to check out Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic represent the Kings!

NOAH TINOCO