Lauri Markkanen is heading to the 3-Point Contest in what promises to be a very busy All-Star Weekend for the former Chicago Bull forward.
The NBA's 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend is this Saturday in Salt Lake City, and will feature eight of the game's best shooters, including Damian Lillard and Tyler Herro.
Here's the full list of participants:
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- Kevin Huerter, Sacramento Kings
- Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
- Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
- Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers
- Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
- Julius Randle, New York Knicks (replacing Trail Blazers' Anfernee Simons)
- Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Markkanen's inclusion shouldn't raise too many eyebrows. In his first season in Utah, he's shooting 41.2% from behind the arc -- a marked improvement from his career 37.3 shooting percentage from downtown.
The 25-year-old Finnish native is also playing the in the All-Star Game Sunday night thanks to a career-year playing for the Jazz.
Markkanen is averaging 24.9 points per game as of Thursday, Feb. 14. His previous scoring high was 18.7 points per game with the Bulls during the 2018-19 NBA season.
NBA
The 3-Point Contest is set for 7 p.m. CT on Saturday at Vivint Arena in Utah. The All-Star Game is set for the same time and place on Sunday, Feb. 19. Fans can watch on TNT.