Chase Budinger, Derrick Williams Are Slam Dunk Contest Underdogs

NBA Rising Stars Challenge: Derrick Williams, Markieff Morris Selected For Competition

The NBA is looking to spruce up their All-Star weekend and they are are hoping a Rising Stars Challenge will do just that. The first-ever event will take place in a few weeks and the rosters were selected by TNT analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neil. The two former players had their pick of any nine rookies or sophomores currently playing in the league.

For those of you with ties to Arizona basketball, you will recognize two players immediately. The first is Markieff Morris, who is currently coming off the bench as a rookie with the Phoenix Suns. The other is Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who was the No. 2 overall pick last summer after a stellar tenure with the Arizona Wildcats.

Here are the complete rosters for both teams:

Team Chuck: John Wall, Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins, Paul George, Derrick Williams, Marshon Brooks, Gordon Hayward, Tiago Splitter, Kawhi Leonard, Evan Turner.

Team Shaq: Blake Griffin, Jeremy Lin, Ricky Rubio, Greg Monroe, Markieff Morris, Kemba Walker, Landry Fields, Norris Cole, Brandon Knight, Tristian Thompson.

First glance gives the impression that Team Shaq has more talent, but, hey, it's all in good fun. A big congratulations to both players representing the state of Arizona.

Derrick Williams, Chase Budinger to Compete in Sprite Slam Dunk Contest All-Star Weekend

Steve Nash Selected As NBA All-Star Game Reserve

Steve Nash has been on so many All-Star teams. What's another one to him?

Nash was named as an All-Star game reserve for the Western Confernce team a few minutes ago. It's his eighth All-Star appearance in seven years. Nash gets the call after averaging a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists per game. His 10 assists per game lead the NBA and even though the Suns are 11-14, his production and ability still can't be denied.

Nash will join Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs and Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder as the backup guards for the West, and will probably be the primary backup point to Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers while Parker and Westbrook play more at the two. The All-Star Game will be played on Sunday February 26 on TNT.

To talk about Nash being picked once more for the Suns, hit up Bright Side of the Sun.

NBA All-Star Weekend 2012: Markieff Morris, Derrick Williams Selected For BBVA Rising Stars Challenge