Finally a sport that truly embodies what an All-Star Weekend should look like. Yes, there is room for revision in the NBA's All-Star festivities, but the Association ostensibly have the best weekend across all major sports. So with no further ado, my picks for this weekend's competitions.
NBA Three Point Shootout
Contestants:
Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Hornets
Matt Bonner, San Antonio Spurs
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors -- MY PICK
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Steve Novak, New York Knicks
The norm for most players is to lollygag throughout All-Star contests, but the 3-point challenge is usually the one event that players will actually try. Think about it, who misses on purpose? Nonetheless, choosing Stephen Curry to win this is a no-brainer. Curry is the only participant on this list that has a chip on his shoulder. Many thought Curry was a lock to suit up on Sunday for the All-Star game, but we see how that transpired. Because of this, I postulate that Curry will put on a shooting clinic. Curry also has a very quick release which is always an advantage during this shootout.
And if you're still on the fence about selecting Curry, check out highlights of his father Dell. As my pops would say, "you think his son can shoot; you haven't seen anything yet." Oh yeah, there's also another Curry in that family that plays for Duke and the mom is also a baller (volleyball). A family replete with shooters is all the reasoning I need.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Contestants:
Gerald Green (Indiana Pacers) -- MY PICK
Terrence Ross (Toronto Raptors)
James White (New York Knicks)
Eric Bledsoe (Los Angeles Clippers)
Jeremy Evans (Utah Jazz)
Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets)
Can you believe once upon a time that this event was the apex of the weekend. How time flies by. I can't knock the NBA for trying to bolster the event. From the timed clock to the putrid spinning wheel, the dunk contest has had some interesting makeovers since its inception. Although the best high-flyers in the league will be watching this event in the stands, I'm confident the above participants will bring some flair to this event. Or at least, I hope so.
Moving on, the obvious choice in this contest is Gerald Green. I still consider his birthday cupcake dunk as top-10 creative jams during the Dunk Contest. Creativity and showmanship are the keys to winning the crowd and this event. And yes, I have seen James White's between the legs free-throw line dunk, but this event features several dunks not one. With that being said, the more experienced contestant gets my vote.
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