For Boston Celtics fans who got a trade deadline scare when a Twitter notification from The Athletic’s Shams Charania popped up and the first words were “Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum,” you can relax.
The tweet had nothing to do with the trade deadline that’s on Thursday.
Tatum accepted his invitation to participate in the Skills Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend and defend his title, Charania tweeted and the NBA announced Thursday evening.
Last year, Tatum won the Skills Challenge when he knocked down a half-court shot to beat Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, who had gotten to the 3-point line well before Tatum. Fearing the sharpshooter would drain his first attempt, Tatum threw up a prayer.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfIGlAV12ZY]
Here is a full list of the competitors for the 2020 Skills Challenge:
- Bam Adebayo, Miami
- Patrick Beverley, LA
- Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn
- Khris Middleton, Milwaukee
- Derrick Rose, Detroit
- Domantas Sabonis, Indiana
- Pascal Siakam, Toronto
- Jayson Tatum, Boston
The players will compete against each other one-on-one to test ball handling, passing and shooting.
Tatum will be defending his title against some former champions. Dinwiddie won the 2018 Skills Challenge, Beverley won in 2015 and Rose in 2009.
The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago. It is part of All-Star Night, which also includes the 3-point challenge and slam dunk contest.