Damian Lillard, Trae Young and Buddy Hield will reportedly compete in the 3-point contest.
Now, we have the full field, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press:
- Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers)
- Trae Young (Hawks)
- Buddy Hield (Kings)
- Zach LaVine (Bulls)
- Davis Bertans (Wizards)
- Joe Harris (Nets)
- Devonte’ Graham (Hornets)
- Duncan Robinson (Heat)
LaVine isn’t participating in the dunk contest, as hoped. But at least the Bulls will still get a representative with All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
Bertans wanted in this contest after getting snubbed last year. I don’t know how much motivation matters for this event, but Bertans should be fired up.
Harris will be the 19th defending champion in the last 20 years to compete the following season. The lone exception: 2012 champion Kevin Love, who was hurt the next year.
Graham is having a breakout year and is definitely worthy of inclusion.
Robinson began his college career at Division-III Williams. Even at Michigan, he didn’t look like an NBA prospect, and he went undrafted. Now, he’s here.
The players will compete in a new format.
Contestants will have up to 27 shots (increased from 25) in 70 seconds (increased from 60). The extra two shots will be with green balls and worth 3-points. Players will shoot the green balls from six feet behind the 3-point arc on the wing, as shown here:
This is a good change. NBA players are increasingly comfortable from well beyond the arc. The 3-point contest should reflect that.
Lillard, Bertans, Young and Graham are particularly comfortable from extra deep. This new rule could provide them with a relative advantage.
