With Donovan Mitchell replacing Aaron Gordon in the Dunk Contest, the NBA needed someone to replace Mitchell in the Skills Challenge. Among all the options available to them, they chose Buddy Hield.

While I’m thrilled to see Buddy representing the Kings on All-Star Saturday night, it’s a bit disappointing that the event he’ll be participating in isn’t the one that features his greatest strength: shooting. Hield has a legitimate case to be part of the Three Point Shootout, but he was overlooked despite having a better three point percentage than 7 of the 8 contestants (only Klay Thompson shoots better).

The skills challenge features four big men and four guards who go head to head in an obstacle course that involves dribbling, passing and shooting. Buddy will go up against Spencer Dinwiddie, Joel Embiid, Al Horford, Lauri Markkanen, Kristaps Porzingis, Jamal Murray and Lou Williams.

The Kings have been represented in the Skills Challenge the last two years by DeMarcus Cousins. Hopefully Buddy can claim the mantle, and set his sights on defending the title next year along with an appearance at the three point shootout. Buddy will also join Bogdan Bogdanovic in the Rising Stars game on Friday night.

NBA All-Star Weekend takes place from February 16th to 18th.