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Kings' Fox on Rising Stars snub: 'I'm not worried about that game'

De'AaronFox of the Sacramento Kings was not one of the first- or second-year players to receive an invitation to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge, but doesn't sound too concerned about it.

“I don’t care,” Fox, who hit the second game-winning shot of his young career in an 89-88 road win over the Miami Heat on Thursday night, told the Sacramento Bee on Friday. “That’s vacation. Wasn’t trying to go to LA, anyways.”

The Kings' Twitter account took note of Fox, a University of Kentucky product, not being asked to participate:

Kings teammates BogdanBogdanovich and BuddyHield were invited to take part in the game, which showcases rookies and second-year players.

It will be held Feb. 16 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and tips off All-Star Weekend. Ten rookies will take on 10 second-year players in the Challenge.

Hield, a second-year guard of the Bahamas, and Bogdanovich, a rookie from Serbia, will play for the World Team.

But Fox, who is averaging 10.5 points, 4.2 assists and almost a steal per game for the Kings has not been invited, though that could change if he's added as an injury replacement.

“That’s a vacay,” Fox said. “What do we have, a week off? I’m just cooling, trying to be with family. I’m not worried about that game.”

Fox, the No. 5 pick in the 2017 draft, won't be the only high-profile rookie to not participate in the Challenge. Top overall selection MarkelleFultz of the Philadelphia 76ers, who has been sidelined by injury most of the season, and No. 4 pick JoshJackson of the Phoenix Suns will not play, either.