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The NBA had to make a last-minute change to the three-point contest lineup ahead of the league’s upcoming All-Star break. The late sub has many basketball fans talking.
Anfernee Simons won’t be able to participate due to an ankle injury. In his place, the league selected Knicks forward Julius Randle.
That move has been met with a bit of criticism from NBA viewers. Most point to Randle’s career 33% mark from beyond the arc. He’s been right on that pace in 2022-23, connecting on less than three of the eight three-point attempts he averages per night.
Now, Randle’s three-point shot has improved throughout his career. The lefty is averaging career-highs in threes made and attempted his season, a trend that’s continued since his first year in the league, for the most part.
Still, his game, particularly early in his career, thrived more on getting to the hoop as opposed to relying on the jump shot.
The NBA announced the three-point contest substitution on Thursday, causing many around the league to react. Here’s what the fans were saying online.
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— Rory. (@RawrEWreckz) February 16, 2023
One person asked, “33.8% good enough for the three-point contest now?”
Another said, “Brick city.”
The oddsmakers appear to have that same line of thinking. Following the change, updated odds at North Star Bets rank Randle as the longest shot to win the competition.
He’s been listed at +900 for the three-point contest, while no other player sees odds longer than 6/1.
Julius Randle (+900): Randle was a late addition to this competition after Anfernee Simons withdrew with an injury. New York’s power forward is shooting 33.8% from deep this season and 31.9% in February. Do with that information what you will.
There’s not much faith that Julius Randle will be able to pull out the win over the All-Star weekend. We’ll see if he can prove his doubters wrong.