Tag: NBA All-Star

James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul to share All-Star team

Houston’s current All-Star backcourt of James Harden and Russell Westbrook are on Team LeBron, along with former Rockets guard Chris Paul.

The current Houston backcourt and one former Rockets point guard will all play together on the same team at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul were all drafted by LeBron James to play on “Team LeBron” at the upcoming game, which takes place on Sunday, Feb. 16 in Chicago.

Harden will start the game, while Westbrook and Paul are each reserves.

The teams were drafted by James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who were deemed “team captains” for having the most fan votes in the Western Conference and Eastern Conference, respectively.

Antetokounmpo took a lighthearted jab at Harden when drafting Boston’s Kemba Walker ahead of him, saying he wants someone “that’s going to pass the ball.” Antetokounmpo and Harden finished first and second, respectively, in last season’s MVP voting.

That assertion isn’t supported by data, however, since Harden ranks No. 9 in the NBA in assists at 7.3 per game, while Walker is No. 33 at 5.0.

Led by two former MVPs, Harden and Westbrook have directed the Rockets (32-18) to the West’s fourth-best record entering Thursday.

Now 30 years old, Harden leads the NBA in scoring yet again at 35.8 points per game, along with 7.3 assists and 6.5 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Westbrook is in the NBA’s top 10 in points (26.4) and assists (7.4) per game, and he’s also near the league’s best among guards at 8.0 rebounds per game. It’s the ninth career All-Star berth for the 31-year-old Westbrook, and the eighth for Harden.

In Oklahoma City, Paul has led the Thunder (31-20) to a surprising No. 6 mark in the West standings, with averages of 17.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. It’s the 10th All-Star berth of the 34-year-old’s career, and his first since 2016.

Paul was traded by the Rockets to Oklahoma City last offseason in the deal that brought Westbrook to Houston.

All three guards are future Hall of Famers whose career legacies are tied to at least one other member of the trio, making it a unique opportunity for them to all take the court together. The All-Star Game tips off at 7 p.m. Central time on Sunday, Feb. 16 in Chicago.

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Joe Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie receive favorable odds for All-Star Saturday events

The Brooklyn Nets may not have any NBA All-Stars this year, but they could have two 2020 All-Star Weekend event champions.

On Thursday, the NBA confirmed Joe Harris and Spencer Dinwiddie will represent the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge, respectively. And oddsmakers already have the information sports bettors need.

Harris, the reigning 3-Point Contest champion, has been given 7/2 odds by BetOnline.ag to win the contest again. He and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (same odds) are the favorites to win the event.

The dark horse to win the 3-Point Contest, according to BetOnline.ag, is Chicago Bulls wing Zach Lavine (10/1).

Dinwiddie has received similar treatment. The 2018 Skills Challenge champion was given 3/1 odds to take back his crown. Detroit Pistons guard was given the same odds, and they are the favorites to win the event, according to BetOnline.ag.

Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum is the reigning champion and was given 6/1 odds. Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo is the dark horse in the Skills Challenges (12/1) according to BetOnline.ag.

Here are the odds for NBA All-Star Saturday’s main event, the Slam Dunk Contest:

  1. Aaron Gordon – 11/10
  2. Derrick Jones Jr. – 5/2
  3. Dwight Howard – 7/2
  4. Pat Connaughton – 5/1

Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris to be featured in NBA All-Star Weekend

Spencer Dinwiddie will get a chance to take back his title as the NBA Skill Contest champion.

Turns out, Spencer Dinwiddie got his invite to the NBA Skills Challenge after all. The NBA announced on Thursday the Brooklyn Nets point guard will participate in this year’s event.

Dinwiddie had previously expressed he was not asked to take part in the event, which he has won before.

In addition to Dinwiddie, Joe Harris will represent the Nets at NBA All-Star Weekend. Brooklyn’s sharpshooter has the chance to defend his title as the NBA 3-Point Contest Champion. Harris had previously stated he would participate in the event, and the league made it official on Thursday.

Both events will take place on February 16, NBA All-Star Saturday, at 8 p.m. (Eastern Time).

The other participants in the Skills Challenge are Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo, Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley, Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose, Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis, Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam and Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum.

In addition to Harris, the 3-Point contest will include Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans, Charlotte Hornets guard Devonte’ Graham, Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield, Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Miami Heat wing Duncan Robinson and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young.

D’Angelo Russell: Spencer Dinwiddie should’ve been a 2020 NBA All-Star

Steve Kerr expects D’Angelo Russell to play for the Golden State Warriors against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.

Spencer Dinwiddie may be a bit upset about not being invited to compete in the NBA Skills Challenge — though he has apologized for his comments about the matter — but the Brooklyn Nets guard hasn’t seemed as frustrated about not making the 2020 All-Star Game roster.

A large part of why is he has accepted certain players are more inclined to receive the honor because of their profile. It also helped that the late Kobe Bryant, Dinwiddie’s idol, told the point guard, ‘You’re playing like an All-Star,’ when the NBA legend and his late daughter, Gianna, visited Barclays Center back on December 21.

But Dinwiddie’s acceptance of the situation hasn’t impacted how others feel about the Brooklyn guard. The latest to claim Dinwiddie was snubbed is ex-Nets teammate turned Golden State Warriors guard D’Angelo Russell, per Alex Schiffer of The Athletic:

He should’ve been an All-Star this year.

Brooklyn’s 2019 NBA All-Star must feel strongly about this point because he made these comments after he was asked about Dinwiddie recruiting Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant for the Nets during the 2018-19 season.

That’s my guy.

Russell is in Brooklyn for Golden State’s game at Barclays Center on Wednesday — though his name is being thrown around in trade rumors leading up to Thursday’s deadline.

Steve Kerr told reporters he expects Russell will play for the Warriors on Wednesday, per to Malika Andrews of ESPN.

RELATED: Spencer Dinwiddie perfectly encapsulates Kobe Bryant’s impact on a generation of athletes

Dennis Schroder, Steven Adams praise Chris Paul for earning All-Star nod

Chris Paul’s veteran leadership has been key for the Thunder’s success this season.

With his veteran leadership, Chris Paul has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates in Oklahoma City.

Paul has been pivotal in helping the Thunder exceed expectations this season, leading them to a 30-20 record good for seventh in the Western Conference. Paul’s efforts have translated into individual accolades as well, as he is an All-Star this season for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

According to The Athletic’s Erik Horne, Thunder players Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder praised Paul and spoke of how he’s deserving of being an All-Star.

“The new team dynamic, I think that affects the player a lot more than people realize,” Adams said, per Horne. “It’s a whole new world. You’re away from your family, all those little things. It’s good that people recognized him.”

Adams has anchored the Thunder’s rebounding efforts this season, leading the team with 9.3 rebounds per game. Adams is also fifth on the Thunder in scoring, averaging 10.8 points per game.

Schroder added how Paul has helped instill a winning culture. The Thunder being a relatively young team makes their season even more impressive; the Thunder have an average age of 24.8 years.

“He changed the culture here as well, how we play as a team,” Schroder said. “He did a lot for us so he deserves it.”

Paul has had one of the best seasons of his career in being the veteran voice for the Thunder.

What makes him valuable is how he’s one of the most pure floor generals of all time, knowing where his teammates should be on both ends of the floor. He leads the team in assists per game (6.6), and he is shooting 47.7% from the field.

The Thunder will play the Cleveland Cavaliers in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

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Joe Harris looking forward to defending his 3-Point Contest title

Joe Harris is the only Nets player to ever win the 3-Point Contest. He’s hoping to keep the hardware in Brooklyn for another year.

Heading into Brooklyn’s game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday, it wasn’t certain whether or not Joe Harris would defend his title as 3-Point Contest champion this year.

The Nets sharpshooter has battled fatigue more than most this season, having gone on two trips to China and one to Africa prior to the 2019-20 season. Taking advantage of the extra time off could be a major help.

But Harris has decided to defend his title at NBA All-Star Weekend this year. He touched on the opportunity to do so following Brooklyn’s win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday:

I’m looking forward to going back. It’s always fun, I guess, thinking back on it, memories of Charlotte. So, I’m looking forward to participating again and competing in Chicago.

The 3-Point Contest is on Saturday, February 15. The shootout takes place after the NBA Skills Challenge, the first event of All-Star SaturdayNight — which starts at 8 p.m (Eastern Time).

RELATED: Joe Harris to defend 3-point shootout title in Chicago

RELATED: Is Joe Harris feeling the impact of his two preseason trips to China?

Spencer Dinwiddie apologizes for comments regarding NBA Skills Challenge

Spencer Dinwiddie hasn’t expressed frustration over not being named an All-Star, but he’s had something to say about another All-Star event.

Spencer Dinwiddie kept the Brooklyn Nets afloat while Kyrie Irving was sidelined due to a right shoulder impingement. He was named a Player of the Week once, up for the honor on several other occasions and a Player of the month nominee twice.

Although Irving has taken charge in his return — prior to his injury on Saturday — Dinwiddie has still played well. He had the entire league’s attention.

Still, Dinwiddie didn’t get an All-Star nod this year. But, unlike other players across the NBA, the Nets guard hasn’t expressed frustration over the lack of recognition.

Though, there is one thing Dinwiddie is a bit frustrated about, per Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News:

Look at it like this: I won the Skills Challenge and didn’t get invited back. What does that [expletive] say?

Dinwiddie later took to Twitter to stand by his comments. However, on Sunday, he decided to issue an apology:

 

RELATED: Joe Harris may not participate in 2020 3-Point Contest

Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie snubbed in All-Star reserve selections

The Brooklyn Nets will not have a 2020 NBA All-Star.

The 2020 NBA All-Star reserves have been announced, and the Brooklyn Nets will not be represented in the game this year. Both Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie were thought to have a chance.

Irving finished second among Eastern Conference guards in the fan vote, but sixth in the player vote, and ultimately didn’t get the nod from the other 29 NBA head coaches. (Coaches can’t vote for their own players.)

This is the first time Irving hasn’t been an All-Star since the 2015-16 season, when he only played in 53 games. It’s the third time in his career he hasn’t been named to the NBA All-Star Game, with his rookie season (2011-12) being the first time he didn’t make the game.

Dinwiddie finished ninth among Eastern Conference guards on aggregate score — fans, players and media — in the starter voting. Some head coaches had indicated they might vote for the Nets guard, but he was snubbed, as well.

What Spencer Dinwiddie should take from NBA All-Star voting results

Current NBA players feel Spencer Dinwiddie is a top-10 guard in the Eastern Conference.

Like Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie was not voted in as a starter for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. After weighing the fan vote (50%), current NBA players vote (25%) and media vote (25%), Dinwiddie finished 10th overall among Eastern Conference guards, seven spots behind Irving.

Although Dinwiddie has received significant praise from coaches and ex-players — and he’s been an Eastern Conference Player of the Week candidate multiple times this season — being named a reserve for this year’s All-Star Game might not be attainable for the Brooklyn guard.

But there’s one thing Dinwiddie should take from this All-Star selection process: the results for the current NBA player voting. Dinwiddie’s contemporaries feel he’s been the ninth-best guard in the Eastern Conference this season (No. 12 for fans and No. 6 for media).

Even though he wasn’t named a starter and may not be an All-Star in any capacity this season, receiving that type of praise from the players in the game right now is no small feat for Dinwiddie.

The start of his professional basketball career was far from perfect, yet now he’s a top-10 guard in the Eastern Conference. Dinwiddie is the prime example of what hard work and determination can lead to.

Kyrie Irving edged out by Kemba Walker as 2020 NBA All-Star starter

Ironically, Kyrie Irving was edged out by Kemba Walker as a starter in 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

The final returns for the 2020 NBA All-Star fan vote were gathered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and announced on Wednesday during TNT’s NBA Tip-Off prior to the Brooklyn Nets’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers. There was unfortunate news for at least one Nets player.

Kyrie Irving was edged out with respect to representing the Eastern Conference in the 2020 NBA Game in February as a starter. Atlanta’s Trae Young and the Celtics’ Kemba Walker will be the guards who represent the East as a starters.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and Toronto’s Pascal Siakam will be the three frontcourt players who start in this year’s All-Star Game on behalf of the Eastern Conference.

Antetokounmpo was the overall top vote-getter in the Eastern Conference, so he will be one of the game’s captains. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James led all vote-getters in the Western Conference, so he will be the game’s other captain.

Spencer Dinwiddie’s name had been thrown around as a possible All-Star candidate given his efforts while Irving was out. He could still be named a reserve for the All-Star Game.