The NBA announced Monday that Cleveland Cavaliers rookie guard Kyrie Irving will participate in the 2012 Taco Bell Skills Challenge as part of NBA All-Star Saturday night, which begins at 7 p.m. on TNT.
The Skills Challenge is a timed obstacle-course that tests the dribbling, passing and shooting ability of its participants. Irving's competitors in the event include defending champion Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, John Wall of the Washington Wizards, Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets.
Irving is also a member of Team CHUCK in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 24. The game consists of the best rookies and second-year players in the league, divided into teams selected by former NBA stars and TNT commentators, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal. Irving's teammate and fellow rookie Tristan Thompson will play for Team SHAQ.
Irving, the No.1 overall pick in last summer's NBA Draft, leads all rookies in scoring at 18.3 points per game, while also ranking second in assists with 4.8 per game.
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