Frank Kaminsky named to the 2017 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge

All-Star weekend is coming, and the Charlotte Hornets will have at least one participant, as Frank Kaminsky has been selected to participate in the 2017 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge.

The Rising Stars Challenge features first and second year players from the United States and around the world. Kaminsky will play on the U.S. Team, which features the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns, Brandon Ingram, and D’Angelo Russell. They will take on the World Team, led by Joel Embiid, Kristaps Porzingis, and Nikola Jokic. Kaminsky is the 10th player in franchise history to make the Rising Stars Challenge, with Cody Zeller the most recent participate.

Kaminsky is averaging 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this season. As reported in the official press release, Kaminsky is just one of three second year players (the others being Towns and Jokic) averaging 10 or more points, four rebounds, and two assists.

While Kaminsky’s numbers are up from a season ago, there have been ups and downs. He went through a rough stretch in December, averaging 9.0 points a game, shooting just 33.8 percent from the field and 27.6 percent from the 3-point line. He often looked low on confidence, and his play suffered on both ends of the floor.

January has been a different story, however, as Frank has shot the ball more effectively at 44.4 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. While his season averages remain the same, the higher efficiency is a positive sign.

Given the laid back nature of these scrimmages, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kaminsky break out a unique look for the game. And if he isn’t planning anything at this point, maybe Hornets fans can send him suggestions?