Brooklyn Nets: History of Nets in Rising Stars Challenge
By Phil Watson
1997: Kerry Kittles
Rookie guard Kerry Kittles became just the second member of the New Jersey Nets tabbed for the Rookie Challenge and the first since its inaugural run in 1994.
Kittles played 24 minutes for the East squad at Gund Arena in Cleveland, scoring nine points with four assists, a steal and two blocks, hitting 4-of-9 overall and 1-of-2 from deep.
Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers led the East to a 96-91 win, scoring 19 points with nine assists, three steals and three blocks to take home MVP honors.
1994: P.J. Brown
Rookie center P.J. Brown was one of 16 players chosen for the inaugural Rookie Challenge, held during All-Star Weekend at Target Center in Minneapolis.
The players were split into two teams, the Sensations and the Phenoms (and aren’t we glad they lost those names quickly), with Brown coming off the bench for the Sensations.
He scored four points with two rebounds, a steal and a block in 15 minutes, shooting 2-of-6, as the Sensations lost to the Phenoms 74-68.
Next. 10 best seasons in franchise history. dark
Anfernee Hardaway of the Orlando Magic nailed down MVP honors in a losing effort, scoring 22 points for the Sensations in just 22 minutes, while hitting 8-of-9 from the floor and going 2-for-3 from 3-point range.