Why Desmond Bane won't participate in the NBA 3-point shooting contest this year

Between Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Kenneth Lofton Jr, the Memphis Grizzlies will have at least three players participating in NBA All-Star Weekend festivities.

Even though Desmond Bane has been one of the NBA's most accurate shooters for a third consecutive season, he announced on Sunday night that he will not be participating in this year's NBA 3-point shooting contest.

"I ain't going," Bane said. "Maybe some other time."

Bane is shooting better than 43% on 3.1 made 3-pointers per game. He also shot at least 43% on 3s in his first two seasons.

Bane participated in the 2022 NBA 3-point shooting contest. He was eliminated in the first round of the competition. At the time, Bane said that his goal was to be back in the competition and win it, but recent changes in his personal life have shifted his focus.

The Grizzlies recently spent eight days on a five-game road trip against Western Conference foes. Bane, who became a father in the summer of 2022, has often talked about how he is enjoying fatherhood. That was his primary reason for not wanting to participate in the 3-point contest this season.

"I want to take some time with my son," Bane said. "We been moving around a lot. I'd rather hang out with him."

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Desmond Bane says he won't participate in NBA 3-point contest