The NBA has made official this last morning what was missing before the All Star Weekend in Los Angeles (February 16 to 18): participants on Saturday night, competitions. Eric Gordon will defend the crown won in New Orleans in the triple, while Aaron Gordon returns to mathematics.
One of the most successful changes in the last editions of the All Star was the mix of pivots and outside players in the NBA skills contest. The option of being able to see the giants juggling the ball aroused the curiosity of the fans.
In addition, the last two winners of this contest have been two pivots such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis, so the 'short' players in the league will have something to say this year.
This is how the stars will be distributed for the three events of the great night of the NBA:
Math contest
Two debutants and two runners-up form the cast of a Slam Dunk Contest marked by the return of Aaron Gordon. The Magic was second in 2016 after LaVine in which for almost everyone it is one of the best contests that has been seen. Precisely, LaVine also took the 2015, just ahead of a Victor Oladipo that this year will participate with the vitola of every star. Many eyes will be on Mavs rookie Dennis Smith Jr., while Larry Nance Jr. (Lakers) will act as a local.
Triple contest
In the triple contest it will not be Curry, but the winners of the last two editions will participate. Eric Gordon will try to revalidate his crown and Klay Thompson to recover it. In addition to the guard of the Warriors, there will be three other contestants who will also participate in the All Star Game on Sunday: Bradley Beal, Paul George and Kyle Lowry. Rounding out the list of eight Devin Bookers, Tobias Harris (newcomer to the Clippers) and Wayne Ellington, of the Heat.
Skills contest
Up to three stars will be present in this contest, which, as usual, will have three rounds of direct confrontations. Kristaps Porzingis will seek to repeat the success against the great Joel Embiid, Al Horford and Lauri Markkanen.
The youngest, without a champion since 2015, will try to avoid it with a cast made up of Spencer Dinwiddie (Nets), Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray.
The show is guaranteed.