On Sunday March 7 in Atlanta, GA, at State Farm Arena begins the 20-21 All-Star festivities. And it features one of our own; Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine. He is not only participating in his first All-Star game, but he is also competing in his second 3-point contest.
It is with great joy and excitement to be watching LaVine, after his All-Star snub from last season. LaVine has some unfinished business and something to prove after a sub-par performance at the 3-point contest last season.
LaVine has earned everything he is receiving this season. He has worked for it and earned it through his willingness to put in the hard work it take to reach the next level. Also, by allowing his coaches to help him in developing into a true leader. He has transformed himself into one of the NBA’s best and brightest players.
LaVine has a reputation of being unguardable by teammates and fellow NBA players alike. I must say that last year I was very upset and felt like he settled for the 3-point contest only because he was an All-Star snub.
This season is a whole different story, I am overjoyed and think that he has a real chance of putting on a great show in the All-Star games with his offensive talent. Even with the tough competition featured in the 3-point contest, he has become an expert in sharpshooting and may add to his resume, 3-point champion.
LaVine is shooting a super-efficient 43 percent from three the first half of the season. My hope would be to watch him swish his way into the second round to hopefully out-shoot the other competitors into a flawless victory. His motivation to continue to silence his critics is at an all-time high. I am expecting a spectacle out of our All-Star shooting guard.
He is going up against some great shooters and players. There is also some added excitement to the 3-point contest. LaVine will be battling against these top shooters in the league.
The competition for the Chicago Bulls 3-point shooter
First up, we have Utah Jazz All-Star guard Mike Conley, who is replacing injured Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker who was originally slated to compete in the contest. Conley is having his best three point shooting seasons of his career this year.
He is shooting 42 percent from behind the arc on the season, He is definitely the underdog, but do not count him out he can drain those deep shots with the best of the shooters in the league. Going against his teammate may add a bit more intrigue to the evening.
Next, up and coming NBA superstar and Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell. He made a real name for himself in the bubble last season and is leading the Jazz to an NBA best record the first half of this season. He is shooting 38 percent from three, and has become an assassin from deep, he will be ready to do battle against his foes.
Followed by, the one and only, Golden State Warrior All-Star guard Stephen Curry, the best shooter in the world and NBA history. He is a true marksman and can hit from anywhere on the court. An off shooting night for Curry is a good shooting night for others.
He is shooting 41 percent from three this season and my best bet is he will be putting on a show. His sweat stroke and ability to shoot from the parking lot with ease will be on full display, let Bulls fans hope he has an off night!
Finally we have the Boston Celtics, two headed monster of All-Star forwards, Jaylen Brown who is shooting 38% from three-point range. And the other Celtic is Jayson Tatum who is shooting 36 percent from three-point range. Both players are known for knocking down big shots, they make it look effortless.
These teammates may join each other in the final round, it would be very exciting to possibly witness them battle it out for the 3-point crown. Having two different sets of teammates in the same contest will be a blast for fans. This will be a very competitive event for the ages!
Now, to my favorite part, the new added rules, which I think will make the contest much more fun and competitive. These add-ons will give fans what they love and will really challenge these contestants.
There will be the typical five rack locations around the arc, four racks of four regular balls worth one point, with one green money ball on each of those racks worth two points. There will be a 5-green money-ball rack that each contestant can choose his location of that rack. Again, money balls are all worth two points.
Now to my favorite addition to the contest is the two Mountain Dew Zones, featuring two zones, 6 feet behind the 3-point line that hold one green money ball worth 3 points. They have added 10 seconds to the previous 60 for a 70 second shooting display from all contestants.
All these players are known for exceptional deep 3-point shooting, MTW zones only benefits shooters who can sink in the two Mountain Dew Zone shots. There will be two rounds, top three from the first round go on to the second round. Then those three finalists battle it out to become the 20-21 three-point champion!
My money is on LaVine as always, I am rooting for my favorite player but, do not sleep on these other contestants. They all can shoot the lights out in arenas across the league! Who are you picking to win?