Tyreke to miss the Rookie Challenge.

Steven Chea/CK

According to Kings.com, last year’s rookie of the year and reigning T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam MVP, Tyreke Evans, will miss his chance to defend his crown due to a flair-up of Plantar Fasciitis that has plagued him all season.  Evans missed back-to-back games against the Thunder and Mavericks on Tuesday and Wednesday, but there was still a glimmer of hope that his ailing left foot might be ready in time for Friday night’s exhibition game against his teammate DeMarcus Cousins.

In December, Evans mentioned having a procedure done to relieve the pain in his foot that would sideline the young star for a month or more.  Shortly after that announcement, the pain became more bearable and Evans’ play improved dramatically.  According to the Kings official media release, Tyreke will be meeting with his foot specialist, Dr. Richard Ferkel, in LA on Monday to have his left foot inspected again and go over some options.  Hopefully the break in action during All-Star weekend will be enough to let Evans get treatment and be ready for the last 29 games of the season.

Steven Chea/CK

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden will replace Evans for the sophomore squad.  The second year player out of Arizona State is averaging 10.3 points and 3.3 rebounds a game as the six man for the upstart Thunder.

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