Boston — Pistons rookie Jaden Ivey is going to have a busy first All-Star Weekend.
The first-year guard is not only competing in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night, but he was also one of three rookies selected for the Skills Challenge during All-Star Saturday Night.
Ivey joins Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. on the Rookie Team. They will face Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz — the host for this weekend’s All-Star festivities in Salt Lake City — along with the Antetokounmpo brothers — Giannis, Thanasis and Alex.
Ivey, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, is one of the fastest players in the league and that speed is required for the Skills Challenge. The three-round competition tests each team’s skills and quickness in timed relay, passing and shooting challenges.
After the third round, the team with the most challenge points will be named the Skills Challenge champion. In the event of a tie, the top two teams will shoot half-court shots and the squad with the fastest time wins.
Ivey, the No. 5 overall pick of last summer’s draft, is averaging 15.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season. He leads all rookies in assists and he’s third in scoring behind Banchero and Indiana Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin. Ivey has scored in double-digits 49 times in 54 games, which marks the second-most among rookies and it’s tied with Grant Hill for the second-most to start a career in franchise history. He’s also the only rookie this season with at least 800 points, 200 rebounds and 200 assists.
Ivey continues a recent trend of Pistons players competing in the Skills Challenge. Last season, Cade Cunningham participated in the event on the rookie team, alongside Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes. The group finished in second place behind the Cavs team, consisting of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Last week, Ivey was picked by two-time NBA champion Marc Gasol for the Rising Stars Game. He will share the court with his teammate, Jalen Duren, who was selected to former NBA center Joakim Noah’s team.
“Definitely a blessing to be able to be invited with a great group of talented guys,” Ivey said of his Rising Stars nod. “You dream of playing in these games in All-Star Weekend. I can remember in high school, my mom got tickets to the Rookie Game. Ja (Morant) and Jaren Jackson were in there. I was able to witness that and after that moment, I was like, ‘I want to play in that game.’ Now, I have the opportunity. It’s definitely something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I’m looking to get a win, lock in and treat it like a real game.”
If Ivey and the rookie team emerge victorious on Saturday night, it’ll be the first time a Pistons player wins the Skills Challenge since its inception in 2003.
Rising Stars Game/Skills Challenge
Tipoff: 9 Friday / 8 Saturday, Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City
TV/radio: TNT
Outlook: The Pistons will be well-represented in Utah for All-Star Weekend. Rookies Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren will compete against each other Friday night during the Rising Stars games, the annual showcase of the league’s best young talent. Right before the 3-Point Shootout, Ivey will take the floor in the Skills Competition against the Antetokounmpos and the Utah Jazz.
mcurtis@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @MikeACurtis2