Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner to suit up as Team Pacers in 2024 All-Star Skills Challenge
The NBA announced on Thursday that the Indiana Pacers will have a three-man team represent them in the Skills Challenge this year during NBA All-Star weekend.
Because All-Star weekend is in Indianapolis, the Pacers will be represented by a trio in the competition. Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner will don the blue and gold for the event, which takes place on February 17 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time in Lucas Oil Stadium.
"I'm just really excited for the city. I feel like it creates so much buzz," Turner said of Indianapolis hosting the All-Star fun. "It really is a sports town."
For Haliburton, it will be a part of his busy All-Star weekend. He's involved in several events, including the All-Star game itself as well as the three-point contest, and he will be involved in multiple other activities during the weekend. As the face of the host team, Haliburton will be a popular name around most All-Star events.
He won the Clutch Challenge before. At All-Star weekend in Cleveland back in 2022, Haliburton and Desmond Bane teamed up for that event in a unique format. Haliburton was in the All-Star game and three-point contest last season as well.
Mathurin is participating in the Skills Challenge on top of the Rising Stars outing. It's his second-straight year being involved with All-Star weekend after he won the Rising Stars challenge last season in Salt Lake City.
Turner played in the Rising Stars Challenge back in its old USA vs World Format. He hasn't been involved in All-Star weekend since 2017, but he deserves to represent the Pacers in Indianapolis in some way. He's been with the franchise since 2015 and is by far the longest-tenured Pacer. He's excited to see the festivities be in his new home next weekend.
"I think I might just watch film... there's really no way to practice. All about instinct," Turner said of the event.
Beyond the Pacers trio, there will be two other teams in the Skills Challenge — one represented by a group of All-Stars in Scottie Barnes, Trae Young, and Tyrese Maxey and another comprised of three former first-overall picks in Paolo Banchero, Victor Wembanyama, and Anthony Edwards. Edwards and Banchero will join Haliburton in the All-Star game.
Most of the All-Star weekend festivities kick off this coming week on Friday. In the meantime, the Pacers have two more road games before the break. Their home arena and city are currently undergoing face lifts from the NBA to prepare for the events.
- Indiana Pacers continue to prioritize long-term success on the day of 2024 trade deadline, even after Pascal Siakam deal. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers agree to trade Buddy Hield to Philadelphia 76ers for multiple players and draft picks. CLICK HERE.
- Sources: Indiana Pacers agree to trade with San Antonio Spurs, will acquire Doug McDermott. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers new rotation keeps T.J. McConnell on the court, which was vital vs Houston Rockets. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers start road trip with comfortable win over New York Knicks. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers