Leonard Miller is taking another step in an unorthodox route toward his pro basketball career as he prepares to participate in NBA All-Star Weekend despite not yet playing in the league. "I'm going to have fun, I'm going to cherish the moments, but I'm going to go and compete," said the Scarborough, Ont., native, who will be playing in the Rising Stars Challenge on Feb.
17. "I'm going to showcase who Leonard Miller is." The Rising Stars Challenge is an event that pits the NBA's best first- and second-year players against each other — Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes is also set to participate.
Miller, 19, won't be the only Canadian on the court for the event. Canadian rookies Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard, both of the Indiana Pacers, will also compete.
But Miller's journey to all-star weekend in Utah is much different than his Canadian compatriots. He's part of a new program that gives players a chance to sidestep college on their way to becoming a professional basketball player.