This weekend’s All-Star game in Toronto, at the Air Canada Centre, is bound to be special. It is headlined by some of the greatest players of our era and will feature one historic player in his last trip to the All-Star game. That player is Kobe Bryant. It is Bryant’s 18th and final All-Star game. He has been selected to every All-Star game since 2000. This weekend will be a tribute to his excellence and will be an opportunity for him to showcase his abilities amongst the league’s best for the final time in his illustrious career. It will be great to see what type of tribute the give to the great Kobe Bryant.
Something else to keep an eye on are the four first-time All-Stars playing in Sunday’s game. Those players are Andre Drummond (Detroit), Isaiah Thomas (Boston), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio), and Draymond Green (Golden State). Some, if not all, of these players are destined to be perennial All-Stars for years to come. It is always great to see how first time All-Stars react to being on the big stage and playing with the best the game has to offer. A side note is that Pau Gasol has been named to replace teammate Jimmy Butler as an Eastern conference reserve.
Friday, February 12th
Rising Stars Game (9 P.M., TNT)
The rising stars game features some of the league’s best talent. The teams are composed of the best first and second year players in the NBA. This year marks the second consecutive season where the Rising Stars Game is separated into Team U.S.A. vs Team World. The players to watch this year on Team U.S.A. are Rookie of the Year candidate Karl-Anthony Towns and second year Laker Jordan Clarkson. These two can push the tempo and expect some highlight real dunks by KAT. The World team features the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Kristaps Porzingis, and Emmanuel Mudiay. This team can be highly explosive and Wiggins could elevate Team World to victory. For the 2nd straight year, I’ll take Team World in this one.
Saturday, February 13th (8 P.M., TNT)
Skills Challenge
This year’s skill challenge will, for the first time, feature big men showcasing their abilities. That will be interesting, but the chance of a big man out-dribbling and out-shooting point guards is very unlikely. My favorites to compete in the skills challenge are Isaiah Thomas, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Jordan Clarkson. My money is on Isaiah Thomas.
Three Point Contest
The three point contest is loaded this year. Some of the most high-profile players in the league will be taking part in the event. Stephen Curry looks to defend his title, while teammate Klay Thompson looks to take it away from him. Other sharp shooters in the event include J.J. Reddick, Chris Bosh, and James Harden. It’s hard to bet against the best shooter on the planet so Curry gets the nod for the repeat. But keep an eye on Suns rookie Devin Booker.
Dunk Contest
This year’s dunk contest features last year’s champion Zach Lavine, and new comers to the competition Aaron Gordon, Will Barton, and Andre Drummond. Zach Lavine is one of the best high flying dunkers we have ever seen and he will look to defend his title and win the dunk contest his first two years in the league. Andre Drummond is a long shot because of his size while Gordon and Barton have a slight glimpse of hope. I’d take Lavine vs the field here.
Sunday, February 12th
All-Star Game (8:30 P.M., TNT)
The main event should be a close one this year. Once the hype around Kobe dies down as the game gets underway, we will see the best and brightest the sport has to offer. It will be great to see Paul George back in the game after missing most of last season following his horrific leg injury. The combination of George, LBJ, and Wade will be special. The West seems to have the better team this year, as they often do. I expect the West to win it, due to their insane athleticism and ability to shoot the three ball with Curry, KD, and Klay Thomson. Westbrook will be looking to repeat as All-Star MVP in his first year as a starter. If the West wins, my prediction for MVP is either Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry. Enjoy the festivities.
Grayson Gold-Garvey
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