The info went unnoticed at the end of the night (regarding 2 minutes before LeBron’s record, pay your timing), but Shaedon Sharpe decided to withdraw from the Dunk Contest. The Blazers winger will therefore be absent on February 18 in Salt Lake City and will be replaced by Knicks pivot Jericho Sims.
In an evening devoted 100% to LeBron James, Shams Charania de The Athletic sent us a piece of information of the utmost importance (no): Shaedon Sharpe has decided to withdraw from the Dunk Contest. Nobody cares, but it’s true that it’s a shame to see the back of the Blazers give up because he was the one who hyped us the most. Capable of madness at high altitude, number 17 was announced as the favorite of the competition. The Oregon marsupilami has gained in consistency and playing time since the start of its first season in the Big League. With 7.5 points per game at 46.5% shooting, the Canadian has made a small place for himself alongside Damian Lillard.
The insider adds that Sharpe would have withdrawn for sporting reasons, the rookie wishing to concentrate on his second part of his season. So, personal decision of the player, or request of the franchise? We don’t know, but anyway, it’s a new denial, which corroborates Kevin Durant’s recent comments on the SDC.
New York Knicks center Jericho Sims has committed to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Sims has emerged as a rotational big man for the Knicks this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023
Blazers outfield winger will be replaced by Knicks bouncing center Jericho Sims. The 2m08 player has made his mark in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation and has even joined the major five since the absence of Mitchell Robinson. At 24 and in his second season, Sims is averaging 3.8 points and 4.7 rebounds, but with major defensive impact. Above all, number 45 is capable of soaring and regularly entering the top 10. A blessing in disguise for All-Star Weekend?
Source texte : NBA, The Athletic, Basketball Reference
