As the NBA’s annual all-star weekend approaches, the contestants for the signature Saturday night events were revealed on Thursday night.
For the third year in a row, the skills challenge will be split among guards and bigs – another reminder of just how versatile the modern day big man really is. The last two winners were both seven-footers, with Minnesota forward Karl-Anthony Towns coming out the victor in 2016, and New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis taking home the honours last year.
This year Porzingis is back to defend his crown, along with 76ers all-star Joel Embiid, Bulls rookie big man Lauri Markkanen and Celtics centre Al Horford.
The guard field is especially intriguing, and will feature surprise Clippers superstar Lou Williams, Nets breakout point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, Jazz rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell, and Canadian-born Nuggets guard Jamal Murray.
Murray, from Kitchener ON, is fresh off a 33-point performance in Denver’s dramatic win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and has been really impressive of late, averaging 19.3 points since the start of January while shooting over 42 per cent from deep. He’s started 50 games in his second pro season and is a big reason why the Nuggets are currently holding on to a playoff spot in the West.
Murray, who just might be the most promising Canadian in the NBA today, will also take part in the Rising Stars game the night before. He was named MVP of that game last year after erupting for 36 points.
[relatedlinks]
