The Taco Bell Skills Challenge kicks off tonight in a battle of the NBA’s best ball handlers. 2014 Champion co-champion will return to defend his crown. Damian Lillard opted out of participating in the event despite being the other 2014 co-champion.
Each point guard will show off their ability to dribble, pass, shoot. The Skills Challenge will follow a new format this season competing in a eight man bracket. This years bracket is below.
As you can see by all the red slashes a lot of replacements had to be made. Payton and Schroder are up and coming point guards with bright futures. Beverly is a sort of scrappy guard who fought hard to be where he is today.
The interesting twist that takes place this year is the addition of a three pointer. Most years only required a layup or dunk. The lack of shooting ability will hurt a contestant such as Elfrid Payton.
When comparing each players speed, assist percentage, and 3-point shooting, here’s how each contestant will stack up with one another
(Sprint time from the draft combine via Draft Express, assist percentage this season, and 3-point percentage)
Beverley — 3.62 seconds, 17.0 percent, 36.5 percent, 11/2 odds
Thomas — 3.14 seconds, 22.8 percent, 39.1 percent, 15/4 odds
Payton — 3.23 seconds, 30.9 percent, 19.0 percent, 8/1 odds
Teague — 3.18 seconds, 39.7 percent, 34.0 percent, 4/1 odds
Burke — 3.16 seconds, 24.8 percent, 31.6 percent, 5/1 odds
Knight — 3.07 seconds, 28.2 percent, 40.9 percent, 11/2 odds
Schröder — 3.21 seconds, 32.0 percent, 29.2 percent, 8/1 odds
Lowry — N/A, 34.0 percent, 33.3 percent, 4/1 odds
Event time: Saturday, Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m. ET (2nd event)
Where: Barclays Center, New York
TV: TNT
