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I know, I know … cat-calls of “Homer” will come showering-down from some of you …

But the NBA just announced the names for the 3-Point Shootout during All Star Weekend in New Orleans, and Anthony Parker wasn’t listed as one of the participants.

Despite being ranked in the top 5 in 3PT shooting for most of the season - and currently sitting 2ND in the league (behind his teammate, Jason Kapono) - Parker didn’t get the call. 

Instead, AP will be watching from home as Kapono, Richard Hamilton, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Peja Stojakovic, and Daniel Gibson battle it out.

I really don’t have a problem with anyone on the list other than Gibson. 

Kapono is the defending champ … so his participation in the event is a given. 

And the NBA likes to showcase its stars during All Star weekend - so it’s understandable that Hamilton, Bryant, and Nash were asked to take part.  In fact, if I’m not mistaken, the league actually requires each “All Star” (those playing in the actual game on Sunday) to take part in at least one other event over the course of the weekend.  Whether it’s an appearance, autograph signing, or an event like the 3PT Shootout, Slam Dunk Competition, or Skills Challenge … the guys are put to work.  Plus, Hamilton is currently ranked 6TH in the league in 3PT % …. and Nash is 4TH.  Bryant isn’t isn’t even ranked in the top 50 in the NBA, but you can’t deny his “star power” and how important it would be to have him showcased in one of the events.  So I’m okay with that.

I have no issue with Stojakovic being there either.  All Star weekend is taking place in New Orleans - where he plays - so that makes for a nice feel-good story for the hometown fans.  Plus, Peja is a former 2-time (back to back in 2002-2003) champ … so he’ more than deserving.

But why Daniel Gibson?  Is it simply because he was in the NBA Finals last year?  Is Daniel Gibson really a bigger “name” than Anthony Parker? 

Granted, Gibson is 4TH in the league in 3PT shooting (tied with Nash) … so it’s not like he’s some kind of chump.  The dude can shoot!  But both Parker and Portland’s James Jones (3RD overall) are ahead of Gibson. 

Toronto will still have a big contingent of Raptors in New Orleans though … with Kapono, Jamario Moon (Dunk Contest and Rookie/Sophomore game), Andrea Bargnani (Rookie/Sophomore game), and Chris Bosh (All Star game) all taking part.

E. Smith
ericsmithfan590@yahoo.com

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 6th, 2008 at 2:51 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.