Despite expressing his desire to compete in the three-point contest at NBA All-Star Weekend, LA Clippers guard Norman Powell was not one of the players selected. When asked about this before Friday morning's practice, Powell said he doesn't understanding what the criteria is, considering he's been one of the best shooters in basketball for several seasons.
"I really don’t know what the criteria is to get nominated," Powell said. "... Being a top-3 three point shooter the last 3-4 years… I don’t know. It’s just crazy to me… It is what it is. I’ll enjoy my extra days."
Powell added that being overlooked is nothing new to him, and goes with his "Understand The Grind" motto. Knowing that a championship is the ultimate goal this season, Powell said that's the most important thing right now, but he did want to be included in the three-point contest.
The Clippers will have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George representing them at All-Star Weekend, as both players were named to the Western Conference All-Star team. James Harden was not selected as an All-Star reserve, and will have the weekend off.
Powell certainly deserved to be in the three-point competition, shooting 44.5% from deep on the season, but will instead have the opportunity to rest a bit more over the All-Star break instead of making a trip to Indiana.
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