Now that the field is set for the 3-point contest, it’s time to throw out some predictions. Here’s how I think Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine will fare.
Zach LaVine disappointed Chicago Bulls fans by turning down the opportunity to participate in the dunk contest this year in Chicago. He’ll be at the United Center on Saturday night, though, going for the 3-point title. If things go well for LaVine, he could become the first player in NBA history to win both the dunk contest and the 3-point contest.
What are the chances of that happening, though?
The seven players LaVine will be competing against are: Davis Bertans, Devonte’ Graham, Joe Harris, Buddy Hield, Damian Lillard, Duncan Robinson and Trae Young.
LaVine and Graham are probably the two worst pure shooters of the group. It’s not that they’re bad shooters, obviously, they’re in the 3-point contest — they’re just not quite at the same level as the rest.
Joe Harris should be the favorite heading into All-Star Saturday. He’s the defending champion, so he knows what he’s doing. The last player to repeat as champion was Jason Kapono, winning in 2007 and 2008. I don’t see Harris repeating like Kapono did, though, largely because of a new wrinkle in this year’s contest.
This year, there are two shots that will be launched from six-feet behind the 3-point line, letting those with ultra-deep range show off a bit. Each of those shots will be worth three points (one more than the money ball, two more than the regular ball).
All of the shooters in this year’s contest can hit from 6-feet behind the line, but guys like Lillard and Young jump out as the two best deep-range guys.
My gut is telling me Trae Young will win the contest. He’s a pure shooter from the 3-point line and he has unlimited range. He also has a lot of forward momentum right now. He’ll head into the All-Star break as one of the breakout stars in the association. And we know the stage won’t be too big for him.
It wouldn’t feel right to count LaVine out, though. He’s a gamer who loves the big moment. He’ll also have the Chicago crowd behind him. If the crowd can inject some life into him at the beginning of the contest, the hoop might start to look as big as the ocean. I wouldn’t bet on LaVine, but I definitely wouldn’t feel comfortable betting against him, either.
Hopefully, for the sake of the Bulls fans in attendance, LaVine can show out and make a run for the trophy. Bulls fans need something to be excited about.