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Michael Ainsworth / Associated Press
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard will compete in the 2021 NBA Three Point Contest, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this month that the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association were closing in on an agreement to host the All-Star Game on March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
According to Haynes, the three-point contest will be held before the All-Star Game begins.
Some have questioned whether the NBA should hold the event amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Lillard acknowledged the difficulties posed by the exhibit, but said he planned to participate if invited:
The five-time All-Star is shooting 38 percent from the perimeter, down from a career-high 40.1 percent in 2019-20. He averages four triples per game, the third best in the league.
In order for Lillard to truly feel at home, the three-point contest organizers need to ensure that there are only a few seconds left on the clock each time the veteran shooting guard grabs a ball from the rack.
Lillard’s propensity to spot anywhere within the midfield also likely played a role in the NBA’s decision to tweak the competition. Last year saw the inclusion two shots from two meters from the goal that were worth three points each.
This will be the third time the 30-year-old has participated. He was supposed to participate last year, but withdrew after suffering a right groin strain shortly before the All-Star break.
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