Pelicans All Star Weekend: Three Point Shootout

Anthony Davis was the lone All-Star selection for the New Orleans Pelicans, and even he will not be participating in the events this weekend in New York.

That does not mean the Pelicans should be left out of the fun!

In the spirit of the All-Star festivities, I decided it would be fun to simulate and report on a fictional Three Point Shootout, Skills Challenge, and Dunk Contest as if only all Pelicans were taking part. This first part will be the Three Point Shootout. Enjoy!

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Particpants: Ryan Anderson, Quincy Pondexter, Luke Babbitt, Jimmer Fredette, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans

Rules: 5 racks of 5 balls will be spread out around the 3 point line. Each made shot is worth 1 point. Each rack has a “moneyball” that is worth 2 points. Each player may choose 1 rack to fill with moneyballs. Three Rounds: The two players with the lowest totals will be eliminated after the first two rounds. The highest scorer in the final round wins.

Round One

The original lineup for the Pelicans Shootout consisted of Ryan Anderson, Quincy Pondexter, Luke Babbitt, Jimmer Fredette and Eric Gordon. But Tyreke Evans, after hearing that he would get to shoot 25 threes without consequence, entered at the last minute.

Anderson was up first. With his moneyball rack waiting in the far left corner, . His first three racks were nothing spectacular, scoring 13 points going into his fourth set. This is where it got ugly.

After making his first shot of the rack, Anderson missed the final four. He furiously turned to plead with the referee for a foul call, and became the first player in NBA history to get a technical foul in the Shootout.

“The Flamethrower” was red hot after this development, and hit every moneyball in his last rack.

Dec 12, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) reacts after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

First Round Score: 24

Quincy Pondexter followed Anderson with a solid yet unspectacular performance, much like his efforts in games.

After scoring 2 points on his first rack in the right corner, Q-Pon hit three of his shots on his moneyball rack to bring his total to 8.

However, those would be the only moneyballs he would hit for the rest of the round.

First Round Score: 15

Once Pondexter finished, the floor stayed quiet for a couple minutes too long. Then out of nowhere, Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” started to pulse throughout the Smoothie King Center.

Luke Babbitt emerged from the far tunnel, spinning and strutting to the music all the way up to his first rack. Because everyone in the arena was still stunned at what had just occurred, no one actually managed to capture Babbitt’s round.

As a result, the scorers just had to trust the surprisingly confident Luke’s word.

First Round Score: 20

Jimmer Fredette has struggled from deep so far this season. That cold streak continued on his first two racks, where he only scored 2 points. After hitting four out of his next five shots (including the moneyball) from the top of the key, Jimmer made history.

He moved the next rack, which was full of moneyballs, 5 feet further back. Now officially in fabled “Jimmer Range”, he knocked down each of his money balls while the crowd was going absolutely bananas.

Unfortunately the fans got a bit too excited, and a group of them carried Jimmer off of the floor before he could finish his round.

First Round Score: 17

Jan 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jimmer Fredette (32) celebrates as a time-out is called against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Pelicans beat the Raptors 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Gordon had a great first go around. He knocked down at least 3 shots at each rack, including all five at the top of the key. His moneyballs were not there, but he still managed to clinch a spot in the next round.

First Round Score: 22

To close out the opening round, Tyreke Evans took the floor. His request to freeze the shot clock at 19 was granted in hopes he would feel like he was playing in a real game.

With his moneyballs places in the final rack just like Anderson, Tyreke had a lot of time to warm up. Unlike Anderson, he stayed cool and collected, and after four racks he sat at only 11 points.

Evans then split the first four moneyballs before nailing the last one.

First Round Score: 17

Round 2

Participants: Ryan Anderson, Luke Babbitt, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans

Since Jimmer Fredette ended up being carried all the way back to his alma matter of Brigham Young University, Evans was granted the tiebreaker for entry in the second round.

During the intermission, Babbitt stole the mic from Pelicans announcer Joel Meyers and guaranteed his victory in front of the entire crowd. Seeing this confidence, Luke was given the luxury of beginning the second round. With confidence basically dripping from his mane, Babbitt managed a solid score.

Second Round Score: 19

Ryan Anderson, who had finally calmed down after his first round adventure, managed to match his point total from the first round. His well balanced effort was a scary sight for the rest of his competitors.

Second Round Score: 24

Feb 9, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) shoots against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Gordon put his moneyball rack right at the start, and nailed four of them for a quick 8 points. This rack proved to be enough to help eliminate Babbitt, but still gave Evans a chance.

Second Round Score: 20

Tyreke Evans needed a clutch performance to pass Eric Gordon and make it to the finals. He did not get it, and quite frankly was not close.

He finished with the lowest score of the shootout, and immediately ran off of the court once he finished.

Sources say that the original Pierre the Pelican was directly in his line of sight during his moneyball rack, causing him to lose all remaining composure.

Second Round Score: 14

Nov 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans mascot Pierre the Pelican during the first quarter of a game against the Charlotte Bobcats at New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Final Round

Participants: Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon

The final round was spectacular for both players.

Anderson set the stage by once again hitting every shot in his moneyball rack. Since these came at the start, he kept his rhythm going all the way through.

The crowd seemed to be on Ryno’s side after his impressive showing, but he could only watch his opponent took the floor.

Gordon was tasked with followed up this performance. After a shaky start, Gordon hit 15 shots in a row to end the round. The sad twist was that his second rack was his moneyball rack, where he only knocked down 2 shots.

Final Score: Anderson-27, Gordon-24

Dec 12, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) reacts after hitting a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Next: NBA Trade Deadline 2015: Will The Pelicans Make a Move?

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