Don’t expect Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine to dunk in the NBA’s HORSE competition, set to begin April 12.
The rules, as configured, appear to target Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine among all those expected to participate in the single-elimination shooting competition.
As it’s widely known, LaVine’s early rise to fame in the league was derived from his ability to dunk. The rules appear to silence one of his most deadly assets: dunking.
Fortunately, LaVine has expanded on his offensive arsenal over the years. In fact, he took part in the three-point shooting contest as part of NBA All-Star Weekend 2020.
Others expected to compete in the HORSE competition are Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), Chris Paul (Oklahoma City Thunder), Mike Conley Jr. (Utah Jazz), Allie Quigley (Chicago Sky), WNBA legend Tamika Catchings and NBA legends Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups.
The HORSE competition won’t serve as the first time LaVine has received added screen time during the hiatus. He was also briefly featured in the NBA’s Players-Only NBA2K Tournament, which streams again tonight on ESPN and the NBA App.
LaVine is anticipated to meet Pierce in the first round of the HORSE competition, which should prove to be a bit entertaining. Pierce called it quits after signing a ceremonial contract with the Boston Celtics in July of 2017. Since retiring, he’s kept busy working as an analyst on ESPN’s NBA Countdown.
Interestingly enough, LaVine is searching the Twitterverse for creative ideas ahead of the April 12 matchup.
Take a look:
I need some ideas!! Send me some of your most creative ideas/shots in HORSE...
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) April 9, 2020
The HORSE competition will be broken up into four quarterfinal matchups with the broadcast set for April 12 from 6-8 p.m. CST, and the semifinals and finals are expected to take place April 16 from 8-10 p.m. CST. All the programming is slated to be aired on ESPN as the NBA’s hiatus continues.
The HORSE competition, sponsored by State Farm, will help provide for the winner to donate $200,000 on behalf of the participants, according to details shared by ESPN.