Why isn’t Charlotte Hornet Marvin Williams in NBA’s 3-point contest?

Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams is the NBA’s top 3-point shooter by percentage this season, yet hasn’t been invited to the league’s annual 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend.

How can that be?

Williams, in his 13th NBA season, is shooting 45.2 percent from 3-point range. That is best among players on pace to make at least 82 3s by the end of the season (the NBA’s standard for statistical leaders in this category).

Williams said Wednesday morning no one from the league has contacted him to inquire if he’s interested in participating in the 3-point contest Feb. 17, during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. Williams said he’d definitely accept an invitation if it is offered. (Names for various Saturday-night participants have already started becoming public).

The field for the 3-point contest includes eight players. Selecting those eight players is not based solely on shooting percentage.

According to an informed source, the NBA also considers number of 3-pointers made and attempted, whether an All-Star Game participant is worthy, and whether former 3-point champions should be invited back. For instance, Hornets point guard Kemba Walker was part of the 3-point field last February, in part because he was already named an All-Star.

As of now, it appears unlikely the Hornets will have a player participating in any of the All-Star activities, whether it be the Sunday game, the Saturday skills competitions or the Rising Stars game, matching players in their first two NBA seasons.

This story was originally published January 24, 2018 at 2:19 PM with the headline "Why isn’t Charlotte Hornet Marvin Williams in NBA’s 3-point contest?."