NBA All-Star Saturday Night Preview

Written By: Ronny Dhillon

Slam Dunk Competition

This year’s NBA Slam Dunk Competition isn’t a star studded affair like previous years but still should steal the show on All-Star weekend. The four competitors are last years champ “Superman” Dwight Howard, the 2006 champ Nate Robinson, Denver’s J.R Smith, and Portland’s high flying rookie Rudy Fernandez. Why are these four your finalists? Here’s a reason for each:

Dwight’s Superman Dunk


Nate Robinson’s Retro Dunk


J.R Smith’s Behind The Back


Rudy Fernandez dunk’s on Superman


So how do I see winning this years Slam Dunk Competition? I’d have to go with J.R Smith. I can’t see D12 topping last year’s competition. That is unless he decides to dress up like Spiderman or The Incredible Hulk.


3 Point Shootout

The 3-Point Shootout is my favourite part of All-Star weekend and this year we could see Jason Kapono become only the third player in NBA history to capture the crown in three consecutive years. The others to do so: Craig Hodges and Larry Bird. Here’s a list of the six competitors in tonight’s 3- Point Shootout:

Mike Bibby (Hawks): 3p%= 41%
Daequan Cook (Heat): 3p%= 41%
Danny Granger (Pacers): 3p%= 39%
Jason Kapono (Raptors): 3p%= 42%
Rashard Lewis (Magic): 3p%= 41%
Roger Mason Jr. (Spurs): 3p%= 42%

My pick to win it is Indian’s Danny Granger. All year he’s proven he’s able to make the big shot when his team needs it.



Skills Challenge

This event debuted in the 2003 All-Star game in Atlanta and has now caught on as a fan favourite. In this challenge the players have to go make numerous shots and passes and the person with the fasted time is declared the winner. Last year Utah’s Deron Williams set a new record by completing the challenge in 25.5 seconds but this year he’s not even back to repeat.


Here are the guys competing in this years Skills Challenge:

Mo Williams (Cavaliers)
Derrick Rose (Bulls)
Tony Parker (Spurs)
Devin Harris (Nets)

My bold prediction is that Devin Harris will continue his breakout season and win the Skills Challenge.