Record four Canadians named to 2020 NBA Rising Stars World Team

Canada will be well represented at the NBA’s Rising Stars game during All-Star weekend.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, RJ Barrett and Brandon Clarke were officially named to the World Team for the game on Friday, marking the first time in history that four Canadians will take part in the event at once.

The previous record was three, set during the 2016 All-Star game in Toronto, featuring Trey Lyles, Dwight Powell and Andrew Wiggins.

The Rising Stars competition — which takes place on Feb. 14 — pits 10 first- and second-year NBA players who were born in the United States against the same number of players who were born internationally.

Headlining the list of Canadians is Gilgeous-Alexander, who has emerged as an essential component of a surprising Oklahoma City Thunder team. Through 49 games so far in his second NBA season, the 21-year-old is averaging 19.5 points on 46.2 per cent shooting from the floor, while also hauling down 6.1 rebounds per contest.

His cousin, Alexander-Walker, has been effective off the bench for the New Orleans Pelicans. In 38 appearances during his rookie season, the Toronto native has averaged 5.6 points per game on 34.5 per cent shooting from long-range.

Barrett started the season looking like a potential early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year with the New York Knicks and, despite seeing his production drop off since, is still averaging 14.1 points per game. The 19-year-old has been sidelined with a sprained ankle since Jan. 16.

Clarke has played an important role in the Memphis Grizzlies being in playoff contention at this point in the season. In 42 games played, the 23-year-old from Vancouver has averaged 12.2 points and 5.8 rebounds.

The American team will be headlined by Trae Young, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and Tyler Herro.