The reigning champion won't be around to defend his title.
New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis won't be able to protect his crown in the Skills Challenge and will instead be replaced by Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons, the league announced Thursday.
Drummond, who was also named as an All-Star replacement, can definitely handle the rock and has improved greatly as a passer this season, but sinking a jump shot could be an issue in the Skills Contest. His free-throw shooting is much improved, but he's still not a reliable shooter by any measure.
He will compete with fellow big men Joel Embiid, Al Horford, and Lauri Markkanen against guards Buddy Hield, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jamal Murray, and Lou Williams.