It's time for the NBA to shine once again. This weekend, the 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend goes down in New Orleans, Louisiana. Yes, people, it's time for the world's best collection of basketball players to gather in one location and put on a show for its fans!
The fun starts on Friday, February 15th when two teams of celebrities try to act like jocks in the Celebs Game, which is always a source of laughs. Something about wannabe ballplayers that shouldn't quit their dayjob running around with baggy shorts and sweat dripping everywhere after five minutes of play. Yeah, I'm basically hating and being jealous right now... but I write for The New York Times!!! Sorta.
Then the Rookie Challenge Game kicks off. The Sophomores have a five-game winning streak and will be led this year by the likes of Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. However, Kevin Durant and company probably have something to say about ending the streak by the superior class and turning the tables on "Freshmen Friday."
But, for sheer fun and enjoyment, Saturday the 16th's events ranks right up there as best day ever right along with the day I discovered Maple Syrup Crunch N' Munch. Yes, folks, we have many events going on the 16th that'll get you out of your seat.
First, we'll start off with the event featuring some legends in the game, which is wierd for me to say because as an old guy, I could have gone to school with these guys. Okay, I'm exaggerating (to a degree), but it sure seems that way. In any case, check out Detroit as it tries to win back to back Shooting Stars titles. Chauncey Billups, Swin Cash, and Bill Laimbeer represent Motown once again. And is it me or was it wierd seeing Laimbeer smiling as much as he was last year during the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas?
Dwyane Wade is all set to forget about his Miami Heat's horrible season and winning another title will be just the remedy. Unfortunately it's not an NBA title, but another Skills Challenge title. Hey, it's better than nothing, especially a league-worst won-loss record. When did the Minnesota Timberwolves get so "good."
Do you like the trey, the three-ball, the bomb, the shot from beyond the arch? Yeah, me too! That's why the Three-Point Shootout Contest is always good fun for me. The Toronto Raptors' Jason Kapono defends his title, but faces a tough field of competitors. He'll have to concetrate harder to earn back-to-back wins in this contest.
And finally, arguably the best is saved for last - the Slam Dunk Contest where the boys are separated from the men. Who'll give the audience the best rim rockers, smooth flies to the hoop, between-the legs dazzle, and off the backboard wizardry? It matters this year as the audience will be able to vote and determine the outcome of this year's competition. The Minnesota Timberwolves' Gerald Green will obviously have some tough competition as he tries to win his second straight title as the king of slamming.
But on Sunday the 17th, our anticipation and expectations will end as some of the best players in this league, and therefore the world, take to the hardwood to see which conference is the best - the Eastern Conference or Western Conference. These starters and reserves will determine the outcome of the game, but there's no question that the game will be fun to watch. SO WATCH IT!
And for all of you historian types, check out the [link url=http://probasketball.about.com/od/nbahistory/a/allstarhistory.htm]NBA All-Star Game and Event History
where you will get all the results of ever game and contest ever played during All-Star weekend. You'll get your fix for numbers there.Enjoy the weekend!
