The NBA All-Star Weekend is the best one in sports. It is exciting, fun, and a great watch. Here's a look at some of the events.
Slam Dunk Contest Part 1: The Changes
The Slam Dunk Contest has made major changes to its format this year. Last year there were 2 rounds. 4 players started the first round and got 2 dunks each. A panel of 5 judges graded the dunks. A panel of judges used to judge the finals, too, until 2008 when they decided to declare a winner by texting. I didn't like the move when it was made, but I have learned to except it. The new changes are something I'm not sure I can accept. The first move is reducing the competition to 1 round. In that 1 round each participant will have 3 dunks. The panel of judges is also eliminated from the competition. Fans will vote the winner through texting, Twitter, and NBA.com. I really dislike this idea. I think that the fans will pick the person they like best. For example, DeMar DeRozan and JaVale McGee have had been snubbed by this system before. That means it will happen again.
Slam Dunk Contest Part 2: The Contestants
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| Derrick Williams is a contestant for the Slam Dunk Contest http://blogimages.thescore.com/tbj/files/2012/01/derrick-williams-dunk-3.jpg |
The changes didn't include the number of contestants. There will still be 4. Blake Griffin, DeMar DeRozan, JaVale McGee, and Serge Ibaka, the 4 contestants from last year's great contest, will not compete again this year. The participants are Houston's Chase Budinger, Utah's Jeremy Evans, Indiana's Paul George, and Minnesota's Derrick Williams. New York's Iman Shumpart was supposed to be in it but he had to drop out due to injury. This is not as star-studded as it has been, but it has potential. All of the players were drafted in the last 3 drafts and are all rising stars. One or more of them can make a name for themselves. If no one does, the contest might be a bore.
Three Point Contest
The three point contest is all about getting on a roll and not stopping. That is what happens with every winner. They get on fire and the rest is history. 6 players, 4 new to the contest, are looking to make history and take the title. They range from post men to runner of the offense. These players are Orlando's Ryan Anderson, Miami's Mario Chalmers, Atlanta's Joe Johnson, the defending champ, Miami's James Jones, Minnesota's Kevin Love, and New Jersey's Anthony Morrow. All of them can knock down a 3 pointer, but it all depends on who can get on a roll.
Skills Competition
The Skills Competition isn't really a thriller but it's fun to watch. This year's competitors are Golden State's Stephan Curry, the defending champ, Cleveland's Kyrie Irving, San Antonio's Tony Parker, Washington's John Wall, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, and New Jersey's Deron Williams. All these players have the skill set to win. Each one has to be on their A game.
Rising Stars Challenge
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| Charles Barkley and Shaquelle O'Neal at the Rising Stars Draft http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/allstar/2012/rising-stars-12/rs-3-608.jpg |
At first glance, Shaq looks like he got the better of the draft with the star power of Griffin, Lin and Rubio. But I like the look of Barkley's team. He got a steal by getting 2010 Draft's 1st overall pick, Wall, with his seventh pick. He also has the 2011 1st overall pick in Irving, Wall's college teammate in Cousins, and underrated swingmen in George and Brooks. This looks to be a good game with even teams.
Final Analysis
