Three Point Shootout Is A Certain Swish In My Book

The 8 contestants for this year’s Three Point Shootout have been released and this could be the best line-up we’ve seen in years. In addition to last year’s champion Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers) the East includes Arron Affalo (Orlando Magic) gets his spot in the All-Star Weekend after his possible snub for the All-Star Game (discuss amongst yourselves). Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards) and “unworthy all-star” (another discussion point) Joe Johnson (Brooklyn Nets) complete the conference's shooters.

In the West, Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) makes his 3rd appearance in the competition where as Marco Belinelli (San Antonio Spurs) makes his debut. One of my favourite players in the league, Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves), hopes to win back his crown he gained in 2011. Damian Lillard fills out the cast, and his packed All-Star Weekend.

Personally, I’ve been left cold by the Three Point Shootout in recent years. No disrespect to previous contenders such as Antony Morrow and Steve Novak, but I struggle to get excited by 3rd or 4th choice guards. This year, there are 5 All-Stars competing, and with the average 3pt FG% being 40%, it looks like it could be a cracker.

Some fans have been complaining that the All-Star Weekend has been lacking the past few years, and the NBA has replied with some changes. Usually, the last ball of each rack is the money ball, worth two points. However, this year, there will be a rack of money balls, placed wherever the contestant choose. This, to me, is an interesting change and could be a pivotal factor in deciding the result.

Kyrie Irving retaining his title is looking like a forever decreasing possibilty. Not only has he been drawn with possibly the best group in a long time, he is also having his worst season ever whilst shooting the three ball. Arron Affalo could be a dark horse in this competition, and Kevin Love has a very good chance as well. However, my pick would be Steph Curry, just because he has looking unstoppable from downtown at some points this season.

 
But, whoever the winner, this could be the highlight of the weekend.

Steph Curry is the hot favourite to walk away with the title