Which players are participating in the 3-point contest at All-Star weekend?
The 3-point contest will be one of the most exciting events that will take place during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend. The competition will feature some of the best sharpshooters in the league and will be played at Vivint Arena, the home of the Utah Jazz.
The NBA has changed the format of the contest several times. Due to the popularity of 3-pointers, the competition now involves two extra-long shots that are worth three points each.
The participants for the 2023 3-point contest have been revealed and basketball fans are in for a treat!
These players will participate in the 3-point contest during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend
Basketball has drastically changed over the past decade as teams now take many more 3-point shots. Due to this, it's no surprise that there are numerous 3-point specialists who convert at least 40% of their long-range shots.
The 3-point contest will feature the best of the best. In addition to deadly knockdown shooters, the competition will also feature several All-Stars, including Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum.
Here is a list of all players who will participate in the 3-point shootout during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend:
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
- Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
- Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers
- Kevin Huerter, Sacramento Kings
- Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
- Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers
- Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
You may be interested in reading: Which 5 NBA players have earned the most money while injured in the 2022-23 season?
The Trail Blazers and Pacers will have two participants each, while Lauri Markkanen will be playing at home.
It's interesting that the Heat and Celtics are tied for the most wins in the 3-point shootout, along with the Chicago Bulls. If Herro or Tatum win the competition, one of these two teams will be at the top of the list with five titles in total.
How effective are these players at converting 3-point shots?
The NBA has chosen some of the best 3-point shooters in the league, but some of them are far more effective than others. Buddy Hield has the highest 3-point shot percentage, yet no one takes as many long-distance shots as Damian Lillard.
Here is a list of all the 3-point contest participants and their shooting percentages this season:
- Hield - 42.3% (9.0 3PA)
- Murray - 41.7% (6.0 3PA)
- Markkanen - 41.2% (7.4 3PA)
- Haliburton - 39.8% (7.3 3PA)
- Simons - 38.1% (9.3 3PA)
- Lillard - 37.5% (11.0 3PA)
- Herro - 36.9% (8.1 3PA)
- Tatum - 35.3% (9.3 3PA)
Sources: NBA 3-Point Contest participants at All-Star Weekend: Boston's Jayson Tatum, Sacramento's Kevin Huerter, Miami's Tyler Herro, Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield, Portland's Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons and Utah's Lauri Markkanen.
You may be interested in reading: What is the most no. of 3-pointers scored in an NBA game by both teams?
Only Jayson Tatum's 3-point percentage is lower than the league's average of 35.9%. However, the Boston Celtics forward is a fantastic scorer and was 8-for-12 from long range in his 49-point game against the Miami Heat earlier this season.