NBA All-Star Weekend: 3 reasons why the 3-point contest is now the main draw

Feb 16, 2023; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; NBA All-Star Game signage featuring images of Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (30) and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2023; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; NBA All-Star Game signage featuring images of Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (30) and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 4
SAITAMA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors holds the ball for the slam dunk contest during the NBA Japan Games Saturday Night at Saitama Super Arena on October 1, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)
SAITAMA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors holds the ball for the slam dunk contest during the NBA Japan Games Saturday Night at Saitama Super Arena on October 1, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)

The 3-point contest has become elite

The NBA 3-point competition has become a spectacle event, with many of the best shooters in the league competing each year. Fans are eager to see the top shooters and up-and-coming players compete. The event also provides an excellent opportunity for players to get recognition and gain respect from their peers. The competition’s popularity has grown to where it is now, a significant event at the annual NBA All-Star Weekend.

Players have gained respect from the NBA community and casual fanbase that have competed in the contest. Players like Karl-Anthony Towns, an NBA big man, overcame the rest of the field and came out on top with the win, taking down the NBA’s best shooters. The outcome had fans ecstatic because Towns has dealt with the loss of his mothers and other family members due to COVID, and it was heartwarming.

Players like Joe Harris, Buddy Hield, Marco Belinelli, and James Jones made a name for themselves, with their value increasing after winning the three-point competition. The competition allows less athletic players to showcase their talent, allowing players’ value to go through the roof.