The 2013 NBA 3-point Contest is set to take place this evening as All-Star Weekend continues. Continuing on this epic roundtable journey, I sat down with the guys again and we talked about this year’s biggest snubs, and made our own predictions.
1. Who were this year’s biggest snubs from the three-point contest?
Brad: Kyle Korver is the biggest snub, and I don’t think it’s close. He’s the league-leader in 3-point percentage by over a full point (46% to 44.7% for Curry and Novak), AND he has the 2nd-most attempts of anyone that falls in the top 15 for percentage. He’s simply been the best 3-point shooter in the league this year, and with a track record of excellent shooting that is as long as is, it doesn’t really make any sense for him not be there. He’s the only glaring omission, but I would’ve liked to see Klay Thompson (who gets ’em up) and/or JJ Redick in the field as well.
Reece: J.J. Redick was a sore omission, and he’s reportedly not very happy about it either. I think Redick would have been a much more welcome addition than Paul George or Kyrie Irving, but I suppose they add some much needed star power to the event. Josh Smith would have turned it into a good laugh, but the basketball gods would never let the three point shot be butchered so badly.
Seerat: It’s gotta be Kyle Korver. He’s taking and making three-pointers at a more impressive rate than anyone in the league. There’s not anyone in the league who is more accurate with the ball in their hands.
Ben: Kyle Korver, anyone? What is going on when the leader in three-point percentage (be a relatively large margin, actually) is not involved in the shootout? I mean, he’s fourth in the NBA in made three-point field goals, and sixteenth in attempts. He is the best three-point shooter in the league, and he is not in the contest. I can’t really complain about other snubs…I would like to see Jose Calderon involved, and even though J.J. Redick is hovering around 20th in the league in three-point percentage, I think everyone knows he’s a top-six three-point shooter in the league. The field is solid, however, outside of Korver’s omission.
2. Who wins?
Brad: I’m taking Matt Bonner. He’s the guy that I know, for a fact, desperately wanted to be there, and he’s probably been training for this for weeks/months. He’s shooting it really well this year (44.6%) and has a career mark north of 41% from distance, but that’s the not x-factor. The biggest reason I’m taking Bonner (aside from desire) is that he’s a set shooter. Guys with elevation on their jumpers tend to die early in this competition because they wear out, but Bonner can shoot all day. Give me the Red Rocket.
Reece: I’ve got Stephen Curry. With the sweetest shooting stroke since a young Jesus Shuttlesworth, Curry will probably come out firing to avenge his All-Star snub.
Seerat: It’s the Red Rocket. I don’t want to think about anyone except for Matt Bonner winning this one. Some Canadian homerism and the fact that’s pretty much been ready for this contest since he was born add to this conclusion. Not to mention, he doesn’t really jump when he shoots, which is good for stamina.
Ben: Steve Novak. If he gets into any kind of a zone, the contest is over.