Nick Young Believes CJ McCollum is Biggest Competition in 3-point Contest
By JC Ansis
Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young is ready to bring his swagger to New Orleans.
Young is participating in the NBA All-Star three-point contest for the first time in his career.
The Lakers guard is facing a loaded field, going up against reigning champion Klay Thompson (GSW), Kyrie Irving (CLE), C.J. McCollum (POR), Kyle Lowry (TOR), Eric Gordon (HOU), Wesley Matthews (DAL) and Kemba Walker (CHA).
On the NBA Hang Time podcast on Wednesday, Young personally believes McCollum will be his biggest competition out of all the participants.
“I think C.J. He’s been through it, he went here last year. But he didn’t really do how he wanted to so I think he’s more locked in this year,” said Young.
“(And) of course, Klay Thompson. That’s what he does.”
Thompson, who is shooting 42-percent from downtown this season, dethroned his Warriors teammate Steph Curry last year after scoring 35 points in the final round.
Preparing for the shootout
As far as preparation is concerned, Young said he tries to shoot basketballs off racks every Lakers practice because his teammates have been hounding him — evident in one of the Lakers’ Instagram post a while back.
“I’m just going in there as me thinking I’m one of the best shooters in the league. That’s all I need, right?” quipped Young.
The sweet-shooting guard said on Saturday he’ll start from the left corner and end on the right. He also said the rack he’s most confident shooting is the last one.
“I think I can make the time. That’s the one thing I was worried about is the time. (But) it should be no problem,” he explained.
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Not a favorite
Nobody has confidence quite like “Swaggy P.” Though he may believe he’s one of the best snipers in the game, he obviously is not the favorite to win the three-point shootout.
According to online betting site TopBet.eu, Young is only a +800 favorite (bet $100 to win $800) to win the event. Meanwhile, Thompson, who is eyeing to become the first player to win in back-to-back years since Jason Kapono did it in the 2007 and 2008, is a +110 favorite.
But if there’s one thing Young is a definite favorite at, it’s whipping out crazy Vine-worthy court celebrations.
Reason behind stellar year
Young is the Lakers’ third leading scorer this season, averaging 13.8 points. He’s also shooting 41-percent from the three-point area — the best of his 11-year career.
Asked on why that is, Young said it’s because he’s put more work into his game and the system the Lakers use allows him to produce fluidly within the offense.
“I’ve been in the gym a lot more this year. And it’s pretty much about the offense and the coaching staff and confidence coach has in me, telling me to go out there and shoot,” he said.
“It’s the first time a coach really gets mad when I don’t shoot,” he added in jest. ‘“It makes me feel confident.”
Next: Five Bold Prediction for after the All-Star Break
But what do you guys think? Can Young win the three-point contest? Will he put on the show everyone wants him to put on? Let us know in the comments below!