Now that the Sixers have their representatives in both the JV game (Evan Turner) and the main event (Andre Iguodala) for All-Star weekend, let's take a look at whether Jodie Meeks deserves an invite to the three-point shootout.
Just from looking at the leader board, Meeks might have a case. He's seventh in the league in made threes (52), and 18th in percentage (44.1%). Only Mario Chalmers has made as many threes as Meeks at a higher percentage (46.4%). Those numbers bode well, but there are a couple of guys who are shooting and making a ton. Ryan Anderson leads the league in makes by 15, and he's shooting 43% from downtown. Ray Allen should probably have a standing invite, he's hitting at a ridiculous 54%. I saw word on Twitter earlier that Kevin Love would compete (which will take a slot away from one of the great shooters in the league).
There are six shooters invited. Figure one spot for Love, if that rumor is legit. Ryan Anderson has to get an invite. So you've got four spots for guys like Ray Allen, Anthony Morrow (59 makes, 44%), maybe Chalmers, Kyle Korver (50 makes, 43.9%), Durant probably has a standing invitation, and last year's winner James Jones could get the nod to defend his title (Jones is shooting it well, but barely playing. Chalmers and Mike Miller probably deserve it over him.)
You can definitely make the case that Meeks deserves an invite, which leads nicely into the next question. How would he do in the competition? Meeks is absolutely deadly with his feet set and his shoulders squared to the hoop. That's the good news. The bad news is that he elevates quite a bit on his shot. It's repeatable, but when you're taking 25 shots in quick succession like that, the legs typically give out before the arms and it becomes harder to reproduce your form. The guys who shoot more flat-footed typically fare better in this competition. Think Larry Bird, his shot was a flick of the wrist. Very little body movement at all.
Here's to hoping Meeks gets the nod and represents Philly well, but I wouldn't expect him to bring home the cup (or whatever the reward is).
Thus concludes our morning interlude. We'll get back to meaningful hoops talk a little later with a full preview of tonight's matchup with the Clippers of Los Angeles. In the mean time, what do you think? Should Meeks get the invite? If he does, do you think he has a shot? Do you care either way? Thoughts in the comments, as usual.
All good points, I think he deserves a spot there and I do agree that the fact that he actually only take jumpers, and he jumpes pretty high, could penalize him, I can't remember any shot taken with his feet on the floor, also when he's wide open.
He jumps quickly, though, Jodie is the anti-McKie... he would have a chance to get in the Top 4, in case.
Was Korver the last Sixer to appear in the 3 pt contest? I think so, 2004 or something.
I think guys like Allen, Durant and Deron Williams would like to get as much rest as possible during the allstar weekend so my guess is it will come down to: Meeks, Chalmers, Jones, Anderson, Korver, Jefersson, and Jennings for the last 5 spots if Love is certain to appear. I think Meeks has a legit chance unless the NBA decides to go the "star-way".
Let's go for a Sixers' trifecta at All-Star Weekend! Meeks for the three point shootout! Maybe Voose could be a contender in the next few years too?
Video interview: Doug Collins on tonight's game against Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the Clippers:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/blogs/sports_columnists/tom_moore/doug-collins/youtube_f07e5560-af5c-570f-8585-a7f456595773.html
I think if Meeks makes it, he'll do well. He's pretty deadly when he has the chance to set up.
Didn't Stojakovich use a lot of elevation, too? I remember hearing he could hit, like, 50 in a row, too...
Anyone else find it funny Blake Griffin will be playing a back-to-back on All-Star weekend?
Not only will it tire his legs, but he could simply run into time constraints on the shootout. His style definitely isn't tailor made for the shootout, but he's so accurate he has a chance regardless.
You think he gets in?
After they invited Antoine Walker all those years ago, I've stopped believing there's any rhyme or reason to their selection process. So I have no idea.
ahahahaha so true !!
And remember when they were saying that Gerald Green would have been a good fit for both the dunk & 3 pt contest? Did he make any of them, at the end of the day?
God, there have been so many bums in those 2 competitions it's crazy...
ditto for the birdman in the dunk contest
Now I've seen it all. I've seen blogs saying Meeks should start, that he's the worst player on the team and now that he needs to be in the three point shootout.
I came across your blog's link put up by a friend on Facebook. Thanks for putting useful info on the world wide web. It's difficult to find this stuff nowadays.