Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest fields set for 2014 All-Star Saturday
The NBA announced the fields for the Slam Dunk Contest, the Three-Point Contest, and other 2014 All-Star Weekend events on Thursday.
The Slam Dunk Contest field: Defending champion Terrence Ross (Raptors), Paul George (Pacers), Damian Lillard (Blazers), John Wall (Wizards), Harrison Barnes (Warriors) and Ben McLemore (Kings)
The Three-Point Contest field: Defending champion Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers), Bradley Beal (Wizards), Joe Johnson (Nets), Arron Afflalo (Magic), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Marco Belinelli (Spurs), Kevin Love (Timberwolves), and Damian Lillard (Blazers)
Here’s the list of Three-Point Contest participants in order of three-point shooting percentage this season: Belinelli (44.3 percent), Afflalo (42.7 percent), Beal (40.8 percent), Lillard (40.5 percent), Curry (40.2 percent), Johnson (38.9 percent), Love (37.5 percent), Irving (35.4 precent).
The Skills Challenge field: Defending champion Damian Lillard (Blazers), Trey Burke (Jazz), Reggie Jackson (Thunder), Goran Dragic (Suns), Michael Carter-Williams (Sixers), Victor Oladipo (Magic), DeMar DeRozan (Raptors) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
The Shooting Stars competition involves an NBA player, a WNBA player and a retired player shooting from various locations on the court.
Shooting Stars Rosters
Team Hardaway: Tim Hardaway, Jr. (Knicks), Tim Hardaway, Elena Delle Donne (Chicago Sky)
Team Bosh: Chris Bosh (Heat), Dominique Wilkins, Swin Cash (Sky)
Team Curry: Stephen Curry (Warriors) Dell Curry, Becky Hammon (San Antonio Silver Stars)
Team Durant: Kevin Durant (Thunder), Karl Malone, Skylar Diggins (Tulsa Shock)
Finally, the Rising Stars Challenge, which takes place on Friday night and was formerly known as the Rookie/Sophomore Challenge, will feature nine rookies and nine sophomores mixed together in a draft by Chris Webber and Grant Hill. Roster pool candidates were announced last week and the final teams were announced Thursday.
Rising Stars Challenge Rosters
Team Webber: Anthony Davis (Pelicans), Michael Carter-Williams (Sixers), Tim Hardaway, Jr. (Knicks), Trey Burke (Jazz), Jared Sullinger (Celtics), Mason Plumlee (Nets), Victor Oladipo (Magic), Steven Adams (Thunder), Kelly Olynyk (Celtics)
Team Hill: Damian Lillard (Blazers), Bradley Beal (Wizards), Andre Drummond (Pistons), Harrison Barnes (Warriors), Terrence Jones (Rockets), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Jonas Valanciunas (Raptors), Dion Waiters (Cavaliers), Pero Antic (Hawks)
Lillard, who was selected as a reserve for the Western Conference All-Star team, will become the first player in history to compete in five events at All-Star Weekend.
The 2014 All-Star Weekend will run from Feb. 13–16 at the New Orleans Arena, which was officially renamed the Smoothie King Center this week. The Rising Stars Challenge will take place on Friday, Feb. 14, the Slam Dunk, Three-Point, Shooting Stars, and Skills contests will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, and the 2014 All-Star Game is set for Sunday, Feb. 16.
