Brooklyn Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie invited to showcase skills at All-Star weekend
The amazing run for Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie continues as he will participate in the annual Skills Challenge at NBA All-Star Saturday night.
There have been plenty of great stories in the NBA over the years consisting of individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie is the latest impressive story of dramatic improvement, turning heads around the league earning a trip to All-Star weekend.
Dinwiddie, a native of Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, will be performing in front of his hometown at the Staples Center in the All-Star Skills Challenge that Saturday night. A national audience will now have the opportunity to see what the fans in Brooklyn have been enjoying since early November of last year. As the lone Nets representative in Los Angeles that weekend, Dinwiddie will be the face of the franchise among the NBA’s best talent.
The former University of Colorado Boulder star has jumped valiantly at the opportunity to start and lead the team during D’Angelo Russell‘s injury. He is currently averaging 13.4 points and 6.4 assists per game while connecting on several clutch game-winning baskets for Brooklyn.
Dinwiddie’s opportunity during All-Star weekend was drawn plenty of praise from teammates as forward DeMarre Carroll shared his thoughts on the fourth-year guard with the media:
"“A lot of guys get opportunities in this league, some get them early, some get them late. When you get your opportunity, you have to take advantage of it. You have to prove yourself. I feel like his opportunity came late and now he’s proving himself. I think him going to represent the Brooklyn Nets at the All-Star Game [Weekend], is not only cool for him, but it’s cool for the organization.”"
The team is firmly behind Dinwiddie heading into the All-Star break, as it seems he will continue to play the role as starter while Russell builds himself up off the bench. The Nets were relying heavy on their new star in last night’s loss to the visiting Los Angeles Lakers led by a returning Brook Lopez. Dinwiddie provided a splendid all around game pouring in 23 points, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out nine assists.
The impressive performances continue to pile up as the Nets may be floundering further out of the playoff race but have built a strong spoiler reputation. The previous game’s victory over the favored Philadelphia 76ers is a reminder of Brooklyn’s future potential in the Eastern Conference. Dinwiddie’s 27 points led the team and further solidified his spot on the team passed the quickly approaching trade deadline.
The invite to All-Star weekend to possibly dethrone last year’s champion Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks could be a fairy tale situation. The location being in his hometown calls for more friends and family to watch and possibly celebrate just like they did once he was named to the competition. Dinwiddie shared his family’s reaction and personal thoughts on the selection recently with reporters.
"“They went crazy. Seeing it on TNT last night, it’s really real for them. Just to be able to share that moment with my parents, who are actually here to watch a couple of games at the moment – they don’t get to go to N.Y. that much – it was a full circle moment. It was really cool. It’s a great honor to go there and participate and represent the Nets organization. It’s been a crazy journey…Still, hopefully, a long way to go. Hopefully, one day a real, legitimate All-Star, and a champion and all of those things.”"
The Nets should be represented very well whether he wins or loses, as Dinwiddie’s presence alone satisfies the many fans that voted for him over the past few months.
Next: 2017-18 Week 16 NBA Power Rankings
It’s not too odd to believe that the Nets will use this as motivation heading into the season’s home stretch, especially if a few current players will be dealt off to other teams before the deadline.