Which NBA players could replicate Damian Lillard’s 2014 All-Star Saturday Night?
3. Zach LaVine
As a two-time slam dunk champion, Zach LaVine‘s athleticism speaks for itself. So when the Chicago Bulls guard professed a desire to instead compete in the 3-point contest, people around the NBA were a bit perplexed, but the numbers paint a story in his favor.
On the 2019-20 season, LaVine is canning 3.1 of his 7.8 3-point attempts per game, or a 39.2 percent clip, all of which are career-highs. He’s shooting 43.8 percent on spot-ups and 37.3 percent on pull up attempts as well.
If the 3-point shootout were that easy, however, then many shooters better than LaVine would have far more success. But they don’t, because percentages only mean so much.
How one hoists up shots is tricky to analyze. They’re not receiving a pass nor creating a shot. They’re snatching balls off a rack and firing without a second thought. It’s a noticeably different method and some struggle more than others to adjust.
Zach LaVine dunk contest update: "Obviously, I feel I’d be more inclined to do it if I’m playing in the game. But I feel like I should do something during All-Star weekend, if it’s the game, 3-point contest, dunk contest, something. I know I still got some dunks left."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 28, 2019
Those who feel comfortable in that unfamiliar setting are at an advantage. Most important, though, is the establishment of a hot streak, preferably on the money ball rack, where one can pile on double the points and stretch a lead.
Sometimes, a rhythm materializes out of random and isn’t necessarily up to even the best snipers.
As evidenced by his 13 made 3s against the Charlotte Hornets in November, LaVine is plenty capable of filling up the 3-point column in a hurry, making a seemingly laughable self-belief a bit more probable should he get the chance.