Underrated names who could steal the show at NBA All-Star Weekend
Despite several stars out with injuries, this year's NBA All-Star Weekend offers plenty of excitement. As the Association's new all-time leader in points, LeBron James will be the center of attention, but under-the-radar players will also be making waves.
Here are four names who could steal the show during the All-Star festivities.
Scoot Henderson
The G League Ignite's explosive 6-foot-4 point guard will participate in Friday's Jordan Rising Stars game and captain his own team in Sunday's inaugural G League Next Up Game.
Averaging 17.7 points and 5.9 assists per game this season, Henderson, the projected No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, would be the first overall pick in any other draft. However, this year's prize is French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
He has a knack for finishing at the rim thanks to his superb body control and gifted passing ability, giving him an edge in pick-and-roll situations. With his combination of size, athleticism, and IQ, this likely won't be his only career trip to All-Star Weekend.
Paolo Banchero
Although Banchero was the first pick in last year's draft and favorite for Rookie of the Year, some may not have tuned in to many Orlando Magic games in the first half of the season. The 6-foot-10 forward has exceptional scoring abilities and the potential to be the number-one option on a playoff team.
Banchero is averaging just under 20 points per game this season to go along with 6.6 rebounds. Like Henderson, he's also participating in the Jordan Rising Stars game but will play on two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol's team. Expect him to shine in the spotlight.
Mac McClung
When he accepted his dunk contest invitation, the former Youtube sensation and current 76er was playing in the G League. He hasn't appeared in an NBA game this season and has played just 25 career minutes, but he has more career dunk contest experience than anyone else in the field.
McClung spoke with The Athletic's Shams Charania about his preparation for Saturday and said he was excited to show off his creativity. His performance will be unlike any other if he's true to his word.
Although Suns star Kevin Durant might object to McClung taking part in the dunk contest, those who have followed him since high school knows he's a perfect candidate.
Buddy Hield
The 2020 Three-Point Contest champion returns to try to become only the eighth player in NBA history to win the event twice. Hield leads the Association with 230 three-pointers this season, 34 more than his nearest competitor. He's shooting 42.6 percent from behind the arc on nine attempts per game.
Since entering the league in 2016, only Golden State's Stephen Curry has made more three-pointers than "Buddy Buckets." This year will be Hield's third time competing in the Three-Point Contest, but first as a member of the Indiana Pacers.
Portland's Damian Lillard should be Hield's most formidable opponent this year. The point guard heads into the All-Star break averaging 36.1 points per game this month.
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