The 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend is just days away. The Utah Jazz will host All-Star Weekend for the first time since 1993. This year’s celebrations will take place on February 17-19, and in early February, the All-Star game lists were unveiled. But one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend is the All-Star Saturday Night, which features classic events like the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest.
Full fields for the events were announced Tuesday night. Ahead of the big weekend, here’s a look at who will be involved:
Skills Challenge
The league has often played with the Skills Challenge format, and last season debuted a new team format that’s back, featuring three teams.
Participant
- Team Antetokounmpo: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Alex Antetokounmpo (Wisconsin Herd)
- Team Jazz: Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton
- Team Rooks: Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons), Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston Rockets)
3-point competition
The 3-point competition has gotten some new wrinkles in recent years; there are now two additional long-range shots worth three points each, and the time limit has been increased to 70 seconds. However, the basic premise has remained unchanged since its inception, which adds to the mystique.
Participant
Slam Dunk Contest
The Slam Dunk Contest will once again be the featured event of All-Star Saturday Night. There have been some classics in recent years, including Zach LaVine’s win over Aaron Gordon in 2016 and Derrick Jones Jr.’s win over Gordon in 2020. Unfortunately, there have also been many duds, including last year. Hopefully this edition will capture the magic again.
The full field for the event was confirmed Tuesday night and includes a number of high-profile young players, including Mac McClung, who spent most of the season in the G League before being called up to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this week.
Participant
Blazers rookie Shaedon Sharpe was scheduled to compete in the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest but decided against it in February, according to The Oregonian. He was replaced by Knicks Big Man Jericho Sims.