NBA Shooting Stars Competition Returns
The NBA has announced the revival of its Shooting Stars competition for the upcoming All-Star weekend, marking its first return since 2015. This announcement was made on Saturday and also highlighted the participants for two of the three scheduled events for All-Star Saturday Night, held at the Clippers’ venue in Inglewood, California.
Event Format and Participants
Replacing the usual skills competition this year, the Shooting Stars event features teams comprised of three players each. Among the notable participants are Allan Houston, a former champion of the Shooting Stars event, who will compete alongside current New York Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns as Team Knicks.
Other teams entering the contest include:
- Team Harper: Ron Harper Sr. and his sons Dylan Harper from San Antonio and Ron Harper Jr. from Boston.
- Team All-Star: Richard Hamilton, Scottie Barnes from Toronto, and Chet Holmgren from Oklahoma City.
- Team Cameron: Corey Maggette, Kon Knueppel of Charlotte, and Jalen Johnson from Atlanta.
Historical Context and Competition Format
Historically, the last three editions of the Shooting Stars event saw a dominant trio—Chris Bosh, Swin Cash, and Dominique Wilkins—taking home the victory each time. This year, the shooting contest will have a two-round format where all four teams first compete in a preliminary round to secure a spot in the final.
Teams have 70 seconds to score points by shooting from seven designated spots on the court, with players shooting in a fixed rotation to accumulate scores.
Dunk Contest Changes
Meanwhile, this year’s dunk contest will introduce a new champion, as Mac McClung, who famously won three consecutive titles, will not participate. McClung hinted last year it would be his final appearance in that event. The dunk contest will feature competitors such as:
- Keshad Johnson from Miami
- Carter Bryant from San Antonio
- Jase Richardson from Orlando
- Jaxson Hayes from the Los Angeles Lakers
