NBA: Top 10 most exciting players in the 2023 NBA Rising Stars Challenge

10. Scoot Henderson (Team Jason/NBA G League Ignite)

For many NBA fans, this will be their first opportunity getting to see Scoot Henderson in action, who elected to play for G League Ignite instead of playing in college. Scoot Henderson is almost universally seen as the No. 2 prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft (behind all-world talent Victor Wenbamyama) and would be the go-to projected No. 1 pick in most other drafts.

So far this year for G League Ignite, Henderson is averaging 17.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Henderson is long and athletic and arguably projects as a go-to scorer at the next level.

9. Jaden Ivey (Team Pau/Pistons)

The former No. 5 overall pick out of Purdue has been one of the top rookies this season. Jaden Ivey’s 15.2 points per game rank 3rd among all rookies, and his 4.6 assists per game lead the rookie class. Ivey is one of the top young combo guards in the league and should have a chance to shine as a playmaker in the Rising Stars game on a team loaded with frontcourt talent.

8. Franz Wagner (Team Deron/Magic)

Franz Wagner has arguably been one of the biggest surprises from the 2021 NBA draft. The former No. 8 overall pick who went from Michigan to the Magic has turned into an elite young shooter.

This season, he is averaging 18.9 points per game, along with 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. The most impressive part of his game though is arguably his efficiency. Wagner is shooting 48.4% from the field, as well as hitting 36.6% of his attempts from deep.

7. Benedict Mathurin (Team Pau/Pacers)

Not many rookies from the 2022 draft are living up to the hype more than Ben Mathurin (the No. 6 overall pick out of Arizona). Mathurin was a great scorer for the Wildcats, and he has translated that to the NBA game with the Pacers very quickly.

Mathurin is currently averaging 17.2 points per game (2nd most among all rookies), along with 4.1 rebounds per contest.