Although Felton was not selected for the All-Star, he was invited to participate in the Skills Challenge, competing alongside Nash, Paul, Deron, Kidd, and Rondo.
Zhang Yang also received his first invitation to participate in the All-Star events, specifically the Three-Point Contest, going up against Curry, Pierce, Danilo Gallinari, Frye, and Billups.
No one from the Bobcats was selected for this year's rookie showcase, and Collison was also left out because... not deserving enough.
The Thunder Team's Jrue Holiday, Knicks Team's Curry, Timberwolves Team's Evans, Bucks Team's Jennings, these four talented point guards locked the four backcourt spots for the 2009 class in the Rookie Challenge, not because Collison isn't good enough, but because the opponents are too overpowered, especially Evans, averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, turning into a dominant presence at Timberwolves.
