Sixers’ Ben Simmons selected for Rising Stars Challenge’s World Team

LOS ANGELES –This has become as common as hearing the "Trust the Process" chant.

Since 2014, the 76ers have had at least one participant in the annual Rising Stars Challenge that kicks off the NBA All-Star Weekend.

Ben Simmons is among the headliners for the Feb. 15 game that pits 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against 10 first- and second-year international players at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m.

Simmons (Australia) will play for the World Team for the second consecutive season. Last season, the 2018 rookie of the year was joined Joel Embiid (Cameroon) and former teammate Dario Saric (Croatia) on the team.

There’s also a chance Simmons will be named an Eastern Conference reserve for the Feb. 17’s NBA All-Star Game. The reserves will be announced 7 p.m. Thursday on TNT.

Simmons averaged 16.6 points, 9.5 rebounds and an NBA third-best 8.2 assists heading into Tuesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center. He has eight triple-doubles.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (Slovenia) and Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (Bahamas) are the other headliners for the World Team.

Meanwhile, Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox are the headliners for the U.S. Team.

Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving (U.S. Team) and Dallas Mavericks post player Dirk Nowitzki (World Team) will serve as honorary coaches.

Nowitzki is a 13-time All-Star, while Irving is a six-time All-Star selection.