The nba announced the eight participants for the 2023 All-Star 3-Point Contest and yet none of the Top 10 shooters by percentage in the league, according to Basketball-Reference will be in attendance. This is extremely surprising, given not only the event’s history of featuring players like Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr, but also the general rise of the outside shot as an essential and demanding skill.
So yes, there were a lot of players who didn’t take part and maybe they should have. Neither Splash Brothers will be in Utah despite leading the league in triples per night. Isaiah Joe, Malcolm Brogdon, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Luka Kennard He’s a threat with percentages around 45% and he won’t be there either.
But there was no greater surprise than the absence Yuta Watanabe, leading the NBA with 48.1% from beyond the arc.
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Why won’t Yuta Watanabe be in the Triple Contest?
The league doesn’t disclose what their criteria is for inviting participants, but it appears they chose based on reputation and star power rather than how well players have performed from the three-point line this season.
For example, Tatum is shooting below the league average of 35.9%, but still received a wild card. His percentage ranks 102nd overall, while Tyler Herro is 77th in the league according to Basketball-Reference.
Watanabe he was ultimately not invited, perhaps in part due to his low effort volume. has only done 108 triples this season. In the top four in total shots are Hield (530), Simons (512), Tatum (502) and Lillard (496).
Should Watanabe be able to participate?
Despite not hitting many 3-pointers, Watanabe had a very good case for a wild card.
He Watanabe’s 48.1% success rate. Entering the All-Star break, he was by far the highest-scoring NBA player by anyone with at least 100 attempts. It’s also a higher number than last year’s leader, Luke Kennard, who scored 44.9%.
The Japanese makes a historic shooting So far. His shooting percentage is the 19th highest in NBA history among players with at least 108 shots, according to Stathead. Watanabe is excellent after receiving, as evidenced by his 49% average this season. If he ends up hitting the race minimum, he has a chance to become the seventh player to finish with 50% accuracy.
Watanabe had said this before “It would be an honor” take part. Unfortunately, you will not be able to enjoy this experience.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
