Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey has been selected to replace Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg on Team Melo for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars event, the NBA announced Thursday, Feb. 12. The showcase takes place Friday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. ET in Inglewood, California and will stream on Peacock.
The league confirmed the roster change after Flagg was ruled out with a left midfoot sprain. The injury removes Mavericks’ key prospect from the All-Star weekend competition during a season in which Dallas sits 12th in the Western Conference at 19-34.
Bailey joins a Team Melo roster that already features a mix of rookies and sophomores, including Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard and Dylan Harper.
The Rising Stars event includes four teams coached by honorary captains Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Austin Rivers. Team Melo will face Team Austin in the semifinal round, while Team Vince meets Team T-Mac on the opposite side of the bracket.
Team T-Mac’s roster includes Washington Wizards contributors Tre Johnson and Alex Sarr, along with Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware.
Bailey’s selection also reflects the NBA’s emphasis on rewarding emerging contributors across different markets. Utah’s young forward has gained recognition as part of a developing Jazz roster that currently sits 13th in the Western Conference standings at 18-37.
The event has already seen multiple injury replacements, including Zaccharie Risacher stepping in for Ajay Mitchell and Mac McClung replacing David Jones Garcia.
