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Marc Lasry Milwaukee Bucks’ First Representative At 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend

By Adam McGee

Jul 2, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry (right) responds to a question as new head coach Jason Kidd (center) listens during a post-news conference interview at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry (right) responds to a question as new head coach Jason Kidd (center) listens during a post-news conference interview at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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As All-Star Weekend gets underway in Toronto on Friday the Milwaukee Bucks will be represented in the Celebrity Game by owner Marc Lasry.

It’s not too often that NBA fans get the chance to see what their team’s owners can actually offer on the court, but that’s exactly the chance that will be afforded to Milwaukee Bucks fans on Friday night.

As the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off in Toronto, the first of three Bucks representatives across the weekend’s festivities will be none other than team owner Marc Lasry, competing in the league’s celebrity game.

With the league’s annual showcase weekend taking place north of the border in Canada this year, somewhat unsurprisingly, the celebrity game will see a team representing the US square off against a team representing Canada.

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Comedian Kevin Hart has been the star of the Celebrity Game for many years as a four-time MVP in the game, yet this season, Hart will make the shift over to the sidelines to take charge of the US team as coach.

Along with a support staff that includes, current NBA players and All-Stars come Sunday, Andre Drummond and Isaiah Thomas, Hart will also have the support of a real NBA coach in the form of the San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon.

On the opposite end of the court, Canada will be coached by rap superstar and Toronto Raptors ambassador Drake, who will have support from Raptors All-Star DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Jose Bautista and Canadian NBA legend Steve Nash.

November 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Recording artist Drake and film actor Kevin Hart leave following the Los Angeles Clippers 109-105 loss against Houston Rockets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Recording artist Drake and film actor Kevin Hart leave following the Los Angeles Clippers 109-105 loss against Houston Rockets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The familiar names won’t stop with the coaching staffs either, as both teams are filled with familiar names from the worlds of sports and entertainment.

Of note for team Canada, Win Butler of Arcade Fire returns after an impressive performance in last year’s game, while top tennis players Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard will be on hand to join him.

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For the US side, Lasry will have the likes of comedian Nick Cannon and actors Jason Sudeikis and O’ Shea Jackson Jr. (of Straight Outta’ Compton fame) for company.

That’s not to mention the talent on hand for both sides in terms of those with vast NBA and WNBA experience.

The Canadians will be bolstered by the play of legendary Raptor Tracy McGrady, former Laker Rick Fox and two-time WNBA All-Star Tammy Sutton-Brown.

The American team will include the reigning WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne, along with former Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups and legendary Charlotte Hornet Muggsy Bogues.

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Having impressed with his play in the contest in 2014, actor and star of Creed, Michael B. Jordan was also originally slated to appear, yet with his name failing to appear in many of the league’s more recent announcements it seems unlikely that he will make an appearance.

For Bucks fans, they’ll be curious to see what kind of skill, Lasry can display in his time on the court. The team owner has regularly been touted as someone who plays not only basketball but tennis with great enthusiasm, so it’ll be fun to see how he plays.

Lasry is following in the footsteps of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera who have both previously appeared in the contest.

As reported by Charles Gardner of the Journal Sentinel, Lasry could be found getting some shots in as the Bucks warmed up prior to Thursday’s win over the Washington Wizards at the Bradley Center.

What was the advice that the players gave him? It was simple:

Next: Milwaukee Bucks' Three-Point Contest History

Will Lasry embarrass his Bucks players or will we have a Bucks MVP at All-Star Weekend? The action from the Ricoh Coliseum begins at 6pm Central when you can tune in to find out.

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