Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey has been added to Team Melo’s roster for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars event, replacing Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg. The announcement came from the NBA on Thursday, February 12, ahead of the game scheduled for Friday, February 13 at 9 p.m. ET in Inglewood, California, with live streaming available on Peacock. Flagg was sidelined due to a left midfoot sprain, forcing his withdrawal from the All-Star weekend competition.
Details of the Roster Change and Event Format
The injury to Cooper Flagg, one of Dallas’s emerging players, comes as the Mavericks hold a 19-34 record, placing 12th in the Western Conference. Ace Bailey steps into the spot on Team Melo alongside other young talents such as Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard, and Dylan Harper. The Rising Stars event features four teams, each led by honorary captains Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Austin Rivers. Team Melo is set to face Team Austin in the semifinal round, while Team Vince will compete against Team T-Mac, which includes Washington Wizards players Tre Johnson and Alex Sarr, as well as Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware.
Bailey’s Growing Role with the Utah Jazz and Additional Replacements
Bailey’s inclusion highlights the NBA’s focus on showcasing promising players from varied markets, with Utah’s young forward recognized for his contributions as the Jazz build their roster. Utah currently sits 13th in the Western Conference with an 18-37 record. The Rising Stars event has seen several injury-related roster changes this season. Along with Bailey replacing Flagg, Zaccharie Risacher has stepped in for Ajay Mitchell, and Mac McClung is substituting for David Jones Garcia.
“Jazz forward Ace Bailey will replace fellow rookie Cooper Flagg of the Mavericks on Team Melo in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars (2/13, 9 PM ET, Peacock).Flagg is out with a foot sprain. Rising Stars: Friday, Feb. 13 | 9 PM ET | Peacock pic.twitter.com/785ptn5UMb” — NBA Communications
Significance for Bailey and Future Prospects
Being selected for the Rising Stars event marks an important step in Ace Bailey’s early career, offering him a stage to demonstrate his abilities among the top rookies and sophomores in the league. His participation reflects the Jazz’s investment in developing homegrown talent capable of impacting their standing moving forward. The rising visibility Bailey gains from this event could bolster his confidence and recognition as the NBA season progresses.
a moment for the city edition threads 🤌🖤#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/IoKIewD4X1
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 12, 2025
Jazz forward Ace Bailey will replace fellow rookie Cooper Flagg of the Mavericks on Team Melo in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars (2/13, 9 PM ET, Peacock).
Flagg is out with a foot sprain.
Rising Stars: Friday, Feb. 13 | 9 PM ET | Peacock pic.twitter.com/785ptn5UMb
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 12, 2026
