Orlando Magic: All-Star Weekend Participants

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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Brandon Knight, Phoenix Suns

Dec 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) wins the battle of the loose ball against Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) during the second half of the game against at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

With All-Star weekend right around the corner, our experts take a look at who was selected from the Orlando Magic to participate in All-Star Weekend.

With All-Star weekend right around the corner, we take a look at who was selected from the Orlando Magic to participate in All-Star Weekend, plus we take a look at other possible entrants and snubs.

BBVA Rising Stars Challenge

Elfrid Payton (Announced)

The second-year point guard competed in the event last year, and was selected to represent Team USA in this year’s edition of the game. There are not many first or second year guards more worthy of being in the event.

If all serves right, he should be the starting Point Guard on the U.S. Team. For the second year in a row, participants are separated by international rising stars, and American born rising stars, A.K.A Team World, and Team U.S.

And hopefully he will look more comfortable and play better than the two-point, three-assist game he had last year as the starting point guard.

Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Jeremy Lin, Charlotte Hornets

Dec 16, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) guards Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) during the first period of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Mario Hezonja (announced)

Although the rookie has not had enough time to show what he would bring to the rising stars showcase, a reason he was chosen, might simply be off his season at Regal Barcelona. People would pay to see that.

Here are some highlights of one of the recent games, scoring a career-high 17 points as Hezonja begins to get more comfortable in the league.

Hezonja, as the fifth overall pick, may have snuck in on the World Team. But he can still put in a few highlights and make a few shots. This is a game really tailored to show him off if he gets that opportunity.

Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Marcin Gortat, Washington Wizards

Oct 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) dunks over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Aaron Gordon (Snubbed)

Man did the guys upstairs miss this one.

Ever since taking over the starting power forward spot, Aaron Gordon has averaged 12 points per game, 10.6 rebounds pergame and 2.3 assists per game on 54 percent shooting, entering Wednesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

He seems to be the Magic’s bright spot among the disappointing recent play of the team as a whole.

Here is a highlight video, from the same game, where he also had a career high, of 19 points, and 14 rebounds.

Gordon missed out on the game thanks to the formatting of the event. There were just too many good forwards to put on the U.S. team and too many sophomores needed for the event. Gordon was squeezed out.

Next: The Skills Challenge