Embiid, Thomas among names in NBA Skills Challenge
It's not the big game itself (which he tried oh so hard to be a part of), but Philadelphia 76ers rookie Joel Embiid found himself another reason to be in New Orleans for All-Star Weekend, on top of his role in the Rising Stars Challenge.
For the second year in a row, four big men - including Embiid - will join the fray in a tournament format featuring four more traditional ball-handlers in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge:
- Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
- Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
- Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
- John Wall, Washington Wizards
- DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
- Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
- Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
The fours and fives will be separated from the guards/forwards in the bracket for the first two rounds, with the finals featuring the top big and small going head-to-head for the trophy.
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Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves is the reigning champion, beating out Thomas at Toronto's Air Canada Centre in 2016.
Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard are the only two-time winners of the event.