Feb 21, 20222 min read

NBA: 2022 Rising Stars Tournament player grades

Cade Cunningham

Detroit Pistons

The rookie guard was named MVP after leading Team Barry to the first-ever Rising Stars Tournament championship, combining for 18 points, a team-high nine assists, and seven rebounds in two games. Cade Cunningham was under control from the opening tip-off and constantly looked to make the right play, highlighted by a smooth pull-up 3-pointer to give his team a lead. The most recent #1 pick certainly showcased why he is one of the NBA's best young talents.

Player Grade: A

Evan Mobley

Cleveland Cavaliers

After receiving a standing ovation from the hometown crowd during pregame introductions, Evan Mobley lived up to the hype and made a noticeable impact on both ends of the floor. The 7'0 center compiled 18 points and 11 rebounds on the night, dominating the paint for multiple stretches. Mobley wasn't the only skilled big man alongside Precious Achiuwa, Scottie Barnes, and Alperen Şengün, but he was definitely the most complete and versatile.

Player Grade: A

Saddiq Bey

Detroit Pistons

In the opening semifinal matchup, Team Isiah defeated Team Worthy as Saddiq Bey scored 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals on a scorching 7/8 shooting from the field. He came out aggressive in the opening minutes, throwing down a pair of two-handed dunks and finding Pistons teammate Isaiah Stewart for a slam of his own. Bey couldn't quite push his team to a win in the championship game but he led all scorers with 21 points.

Player Grade: A-

Jaden McDaniels

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves forward was aggressive from the jump, making his first shot from 3-point range and giving his team an early lead with a floater on the following possession. The Washington product scored 10 of the first 16 points including another triple and a beautiful euro-step finish. He wasn’t quite able to propel Team Payton to a victory but Jaden McDaniels more than held his own, going for a team-high 12 points on 3/6 shooting from the field.

Player Grade: B+

Anthony Edwards

Minnesota Timberwolves

Even though Anthony Edwards sat out roughly half of the opening game and all of the championship, the sophomore sensation put his elite athleticism on display. He flashed his potential for a short time in the first semifinal before taking a backseat for the rest of the night. Bey set up Edwards for a flashy alley-oop flush on a fastbreak but the Timberwolves guard scored only four points before bowing out for the night in a relatively underwhelming performance.

Player Grade: B-

LaMelo Ball

Charlotte Hornets

Since he is the only player participating in the Rising Stars Tournament and the All-Star Game on Sunday night, it's understandable that LaMelo Ball didn't play up to his full potential. He didn't play poorly by any means but the expectations are definitely higher for the 2021 Rookie of the Year. Ball was sloppy with his decision-making and remained in foul trouble throughout but managed to score eight points, two rebounds and two steals on 3/6 from the field.

Player Grade: C+