Filip Tomic
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The NBA has added a bit of a twist to this year’s all-star weekend Skills Challenge. Instead of 6 individuals battling for the trophy, this year we have 3 teams going at it. First up we have an all-rookie squad consisting of Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham and Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey. Then we have the hometown Cavs team made up of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Rounding things off is Team Antetokounmpo, consisting of the three brothers Giannis, Thanasis and Alex.
The way it works this year is we have 3 rounds – a shooting round, passing round and a team-relay round with teams collecting points in each of those. The top 2 advance to the final round in which players will attempt to make a half-court shot. In the shooting round, players from each team will get 30 seconds to shoot from 5 spots on the court and whoever collects the most points wins the round and earns 100 challenge points.
The passing round consists of players passing the ball to moving targets. The more difficult passes are worth more points and the winner moves on with another 100 challenge points. And finally in the relay round all players go through a course similar to what we saw in past contests and whoever is fastest wins 200 challenge points. The 2 teams with the most points advance to the final round, where they compete to make a half-court shot.
Team Rookies +200
With multiple guards on their roster, the Rookies are favorite to win this. All 3 of them are capable of handling the ball and are gifted when it comes to passing, with 2 of them averaging more than 5 assists per game for their teams this season. With the oldest player on the squad being just 20, they’ll have all the energy in the world to complete the tasks in the shortest amount of time, and that’s where their advantage lies.
Team Cavs +225
Playing in front of the home fans will definitely be an extra boost for Team Cavaliers. This could be their best chance of winning something this weekend as I doubt Garland or Allen has a realistic shot of winning All-Star Game MVP honors. With 2 big men in Allen and Mobley on the team, they aren’t exactly the most skilled bunch, but having the fans on their side will be added motivation.
Team Antetokounmpo +400
One thing the Antetokounmpo brothers have working for them is effort. We all know the intensity Giannis puts into each game, and All-Star Games are no exception. This man has only one speed and I expect his brothers to match that energy, however the problem is neither of them is good at shooting or passing as the other teams.
Skills Challenge Final Prediction
I like Team Cavs here. Their city is hosting the event and they have the best chemistry since they’ve all played together this season. Although skilled, the Rookies are a bit too inexperienced. Team Antetokounmpo will come into this with a lot of enthusiasm, but I don’t think their skill level matches up with the rest of the field. Take Team Cavaliers.
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