Tony Parker Pushing for Matt Bonner to Be in 3-Point Shootout

We already know where Matt Bonner stands on the issue. The Red Rocket’s teammate, Tony Parker, is going to see what he can do to make sure Bonner takes part in All-Star Weekend festivities. Per the Express-News: “As part of a new format for this year’s festivities, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul has been appointed the Western Conference captain for All-Star Saturday night. After tonight’s announcement of the league-approved field for the contest, Paul is allowed to choose one more name to add to the list. And Paul just so happens to be close with Spurs point guard Tony Parker, one of the more vocal proponents of Bonner’s candidacy. If Bonner is not selected as part of the original contingent, Parker vows to put the screws to his Clippers counterpart. ‘I’ll definitely call Chris and tell him, ‘You have to put Matt Bonner in,’ Parker said. The pitch Parker will make Paul is the same one he has been making for years. ‘I think Matt Bonner would have a great chance to win it,’ Parker said. ‘He’s a machine. You should see him at practice. It’s unbelievable.’ A career 41.5 percent 3-point shooter — and having led the NBA at 45.7 percent in 2010-11 — Bonner has never been asked to participate in the league’s annual long-distance shootout. ‘I’m not getting my hopes up,’ Bonner said. ‘But it would obviously be an honor.'”