Here are my predictions of who will win the various NBA All-Star events. What are your opinions?
Shooting Stars- Team Dallas (Dirk Nowitzki, Becky Hammon, Kenny Smith)
In all honesty, does anyone really care about this competition? But, since it’s a part of All-Star Weekend, I’ll offer my expert opinion! Looking at the teams, how can you go against the excellent shooting trio of Hammon, the Jet, and Dirk? I’m biased because Kenny Smith played for my hometown Rockets during the championship years. Plus, Dirk is the best shooting big in NBA history hands down. Becky Hammon got game too.
Skills Challenge- Steve Nash
This is a tough one. I was leaning towards Jennings or Rose because they are the quickest out of the four. But, I’m going with the best shooter and passer out of the group, Steve Nash, to take the title. Plus, he’s still got some speed in those veteran legs.
Rookie Challenge- Rookies
I’m going to go with quickness over size and experience with this one. The sophomore squad is laden with improved Bigs such as Marc Gasol and Brook Lopez. But, I expect this to be a high-scoring, fast-paced game, which favors the Rooks. They are guard-heavy, featuring quick guards in Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings, and Stephen Curry. I predict the score to be 135-121 and the Rooks will break the seven year losing streak. Side point: How did Ty Lawson not make the Rookie squad?
Three-Point Shootout – Stephen Curry
I’m going to go with a first-time participant on this one. Curry has the highest 3-pt FG% of the six participants and has a quick release. Also, I don’t think he’ll be nervous under the bright lights. Unfortunately for him, he has to return to the black hole that is the Golden State Warriors after the weekend. Sheesh! I put reigning champ Daequan Cook at second. Paul Pierce doesn’t seem to have a quick enough shooting style for this competition. We’ll see.
Slam Dunk Competition- Shannon Brown
I have a feeling Shannon Brown may take off from the free throw line with something sick. He’s extremely athletic and a quick leaper. Besides, I think people, including myself, are tired of Nate Robinson. I’m picking DeMar DeRozan to win the dunk-in and wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the Finals against Brown. I personally would love to have seen Terrence Williams from the Nets in this competition and first-time All-Star Derrick Rose. Have you seen some of the dunks these two have done in games this season?! Rose’s cocked-back two hand dunk against the Suns is easily Top 5 this season.
All-Star Game- East Team
Although the competition in the Eastern conference continues to pale in comparison to that of the West, you can’t bet against a starting lineup that includes LBJ, D-Wade, and Superman. Plus, West squad All-Stars, such as Brandon Roy and Chris Paul, are dropping out day by day from injuries. Now there’s news that Kobe may not play. I’ll give the East a slight edge, 128-121. The West has the better bench with Durant, Nowitzki, and D. Williams, which will keep it a close affair.
