While the NBA’s plans for an All-Star Weekend may not have full approval across the league, it appears the league is set to move forward with an abbreviated version of its annual midseason celebration of talent. Currently proposed as a one-day event comprised of solely the All-Star Game as opposed to the typical weekend-long schedule, the league is reportedly looking at ways to incorporate more of the traditional contests as well.
Prior to Friday’s Pelicans-Mavericks game on ESPN, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski spoke on the league’s plans to include the Slam Dunk, 3-Point Shooting and Skills competition alongside the All-Star Game.
“The league is looking at having the Slam Dunk competition at halftime of that Sunday night, March 7 (All-Star) game. Pre-game, 3-Point Shooting and Skills Competition and I’m told that one player that the league would really like to get involved in that Skills Competition? The Rookie of the Year favorite right now, Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball.”
Ball currently leads all rookies in points, rebounds, assists, steals and is the only rookie with a triple-double this season. He’s also quickly established himself as one of the most popular players in the league despite being in the NBA just two months.
Ball would likely be one of the star features of the Skills Competition. The degree to which players not already involved in the All-Star Game will be invited to take part in the pre-game and halftime competitions also is up in the air.
If the league goes forward with the Skills Competition, though, Ball would likely be one of the first names called.
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