Big man Cousins 'excited' about Skills Challenge, Davis will reportedly join

Since the NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge became a part of the Saturday night proceedings in 2003, no traditional big man has taken part. The reasons for this are fairly straightforward: The competition is a timed event that includes ball-handling and taking 20-foot jumpers.

Yet the shift in what contemporary big men do on the floor has changed the game. As a result, Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins plans on taking part in this year's Skills Challenge.

Related: Warriors' Green, Kings' Cousins headline West All-Star reserves

"I'm excited," Cousins said Thursday, according to the Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones. "I believe I'm the first big to try it. I've got to represent for the bigs."

Skilled stretch fours like Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, and Karl-Anthony Towns are no-brainers to participate in the event in this era, but even a traditional pivot like the 6-foot-11, 270-pound Cousins has demonstrated something of an outside stroke this season. "Boogie" is shooting 34.1 percent on 3.5 attempts per game from deep this year - both career highs, by far. With Davis participating, the contest will also boast a power forward with guard skills.

Patrick Beverley of the Houston Rockets won the Skills Challenge last season.