Three Pistons make NBA's Rising Stars game for first time in franchise history

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E

When the NBA's best convene for All-Star weekend later this month, three Pistons will be in attendance.

Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart have all been chosen for the Rising Stars Challenge, the NBA announced on Tuesday. It's the first time Detroit has three Rising Stars in the 28-year history of the event.

"We have three excellent young players in our program," said Pistons coach Dwane Casey. "It's a credit to them because they put in the work and paid their dues."

Podcast Episode
Karsch and Anderson
Karsch and Anderson - Cade Cunningham had a historic performance for the Pistons
Listen Now
Now Playing
Now Playing

Cunningham leads rookie scorers with 15.8 points per game and also ranks second in assists. The first overall pick has lived up to expectations after shaking off an ankle injury early in the season.

He said last month it would "be a privilege" to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge, where there's "a lot of big-time talent."

However, Cunningham's availability for the event is in question after he suffered a hip injury in the Pistons' loss to the Pelicans on Tuesday. Casey said the team would know more on Wednesday.

Bey has also elevated his game after a rocky start to the season. He's scored 20-plus points in 12 of his last 24 games, including 30-plus in four games, as he becomes a more assertive offensive player in year two. He was a first-team All-Rookie selection last year.

Stewart, coming off a second-team All-Rookie selection, leads Detroit in rebounding and continues to make a name for himself with his physicality in the paint. He's a gritty player who represents the Pistons at their best.

The Rising Stars Challenge features a new format this year, with a pool of 28 players -- 12 rookies, 12 second-year players and four players from the G League -- divided into four teams of seven that will compete in a three-game mini tournament. It will be held the Friday of All-Star Weekend, Feb. 18.

The 24 NBA players were chosen by the league's assistant coaches.

The Pistons were one of three teams with three players selected, along with the Rockets -- Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and Jae'Sean Tate -- and the Magic -- Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Carmen Mandato / Staff