Now’s the time for sports leagues to get creative in how they stay connected to their fans during the coronavirus pandemic, so it’s no surprise that the NBA is reportedly looking at the logistics of a H.O.R.S.E. event featuring some of its marquee stars. Per a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the league has begun discussion with the National Basketball Players Association and ESPN on a potential televised competition of the classic schoolyard game.
Nothing is close to finalized yet, particularly how the tournament would actually work, but the fact that discussions have started means that it’s on the league’s radar at least. According to a report by The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, the league has some high-profile names in mind for the event, including Russell Westbrook and Zion Williamson:
Names I've heard that could be involved are Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Donovan Mitchell & possibly Zion Williamson. None are confirmed yet. https://t.co/fFcdqD08vu
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) April 4, 2020
The NBA has previously experimented with the H.O.R.S.E. format, including it at All-Star Weekend in both 2009 and 2010, but it wasn’t particularly well received. Then-Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant won both competitions, though they were less traditional H.O.R.S.E. events and more just shooting contests. However, given the current circumstances, it’s possible that players who have been cooped up and have no games on the horizon would be able to bring more creativity to the table, potentially reaching the heights of the Slam Dunk Contest.
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