James Jones in All-Star 3-point contest

MIAMI — Heat forward James Jones has never participated in a 3-point competition in his life.

That changed Tuesday when he was selected to compete in the 3-point contest during NBA All-Star Weekend Feb. 19 in Los Angeles. Jones will join Ray Allen, Kevin Durant, Daniel Gibson, Paul Pierce and Dorell Wright in the event at Staples Center.

"It's an honor and a privilege," Jones said. "It's one of those things as a kid, and especially as a professional, that you relish. For me being a 3-point shooter, this is the ultimate competition. It'll be a lot of fun and exciting at the same time."

Jones is shooting 42.7 percent from 3-point range, ranking fifth in the league. His 91 3-pointers are just 19 shy from tying his career-high for a season (110). He is the fifth Heat player to participate in the competition, joining Daequan Cook, Jason Kapono, Glen Rice and Jon Sunvold.
Cook won the event in 2005 while Kapono (2007) and Rice (1995) also took home the title.

"We're happy about it," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He deserved it. He's put in a lot of time on that shot. Because of his release and the way he shoots, he might have a shot at this thing."



(sun-sentinel.com)