NBA All-Star 2013: Skills Challenge Preview

Feb 13, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) drives with the ball against the New Orleans Hornets during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Trail Blazer 99-63. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

For the second event of All-Star Saturday, six point guards will square off in the Skills Challenge. This is the 11^th year that this event has taken place. The title was taken home last year by San Antonio Spurs’ guard Tony Parker, who is returning to defend his crown this year.

The competition is essentially an obstacle course, and involves many different traits of a point guard’s game.

NBA.com describes it as so,

“The Taco Bell Skills Challenge was introduced at NBA All-Star 2003 in Atlanta and features players competing in a two-round timed “obstacle course” consisting of dribbling, passing and shooting stations. All players must observe basic NBA ball-handling rules while completing the course.”

The Participants:

Jrue Holliday – Philadelphia 76ers

Brandon Knight – Detroit Pistons

Jeff Teague – Atlanta Hawks

Tony Parker – San Antonio Spurs

Jeremy Lin – Houston Rockets

Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers

Prediction:

While last year’s champion, Tony Parker is back to defend his title; I like Portland’s rookie sensation Damian Lillard to take home the crown. Lillard has had a fantastic rookie campaign, averaging about 18 points and 6 assists a game. He has shown he possesses all the traits required to win this event, and I think he’ll come out with something to prove.