NBA All-Star Saturday night is tonight in Toronto and the Pacers are not represented. Well, at least on the court.
Paul George wanted to take on a lighter schedule during the All-Star weekend, and George Hill was passed over in the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest.
Hill’s 3-point percentage was fifth (.433) in the NBA at the time of selection — he’s now sixth — and he was not included in the eight-member field.
“I’m fine,” Hill said this week about being left off. “I’m going to spend time with my son. It doesn’t matter to me.”
His body language said otherwise.
George’s son, Zayden Jaxon Hill, was born on January 16th, about three weeks premature. Both Zayden and his mother, Sam, are doing fine — and Zayden’s parents took him on his first flight during the All-Star break.
Hill would have said yes if the NBA had offered him a spot in the 3-point contest. Perhaps they didn’t like that he declined an invitation to participate in last year’s Skills Challenge. Or because he isn’t a “name” player. While George did not want to come across as bitter, he would have happily taken part.
“It is what it is,” he said. “It would have been nice, but if the NBA don’t think that I don’t deserve to be there then I don’t deserve to be there.”
No bonus was on the line for Hill participating in any All-Star Saturday events.
The four players ahead of Hill at the time of selection: Kawhi Leonard (Spurs), Redick, Jared Dudley (Wizards), and Curry. Two made it, two did not.
The eight players participating in the Foot Locker Three-Point Countest: Steph Curry (Warriors), James Harden (Rockets), Klay Thompson (Warriors), Khris Middleton (Bucks), Kyle Lowry (Raptors), J.J. Redick (Clippers), Chris Bosh (Heat), and Devin Booker (Suns.) Note: C.J. McCollum of the Trail Blazers will replace Bosh, who is sitting out the weekend due to an injury.
Middleton’s 3-point percentage this season is tied for 16th in the league; Booker is tied for 18th; Lowry is tied for 26th. Neither Harden nor Bosh, both mega names in the league, have one of the top 45 percentages from long range in The Association.
So, it’s on to vacation for the three of them.
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