NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND: ALL-STAR SATURDAY NIGHT

So tonights the big night, the night that's even better than the all-star game itself, All-Star Saturday Night.  No more Shooting Stars this year, but there will be the skills competition, 3-point contest, and dunk contest.  So before I go doing what I did last night and hit you with some all-time great moments, I'll predict who I think will win each event.

TACO BELL SKILL CHALLENGE

The Field:

Emmanuel Mudiay

CJ McCollum

Isiah Thomas

Jordan Clarkson

Draymond Green

Anthony Davis

DeMarcus Cousins

Karl-Anthony Towns

My pick:  Isiah Thomas

I'm taking Celtics guard Isiah Thomas in a field that for the first time ever features big men (Green, Davis, Cousins, and Towns).  The key to this event is not only speed but being able to hit the 3 at the end, that's the only reason Patrick Beverly won it last year, he was getting killed both times he was running it and won because he hit that 3.  I think Thomas is most likely to hit it quick, with McCollum a close second.  I actually can't wait to see the big men do it, I just think they'll struggle to hit that 3 at the end fast enough, the only one I can see winning it would be Draymond Green.

FOOT LOCKER 3 POINT CONTEST

The Field:

Stephen Curry

Klay Thompson

Devin Booker

JJ Redick

James Harden

Kyle Lowry

Khris Middleton

CJ McCollum (replacing Chris Bosh)

My Pick: Stephen Curry

C'mon did you really think I'd take anyone else?  If you've read my stuff before you probably know that I love Steph, have since I was 12 and I saw him drop 40 on Gonzaga in the 2008 NCAA tourney. He's the best shooter ever.  Though he is 1-3 in 3 point contests but he's too good.  Other guys I like are Klay, JJ Redick, and Suns rookie Devin Booker.  All are just natural pure shooters, the other guys I think are more game shooters and may struggle.  Last year Redick may have made the finals but a bunch of his makes were discounted because he had a foot on the line, so he may be dangerous, and Klay won't want to lose to his teammate again.  Should be a great 3 point contest though, I love watching shooters shoot and there are some great shooters in this field.

VERIZON SLAM DUNK

The Field:

Zach LaVine

Will Barton

Aaron Gordon

Andre Drummond

My Pick:  Zach LaVine

Yup, I'm taking another defending champ.  Why?  Take a look:

Yeah.  He was doing ridiculous dunks and they looked EXTREMELY easy for him.  Also just watch his Seattle Pro-Am dunk contest, this guy is going to be a staple in the dunk contest for a long time.


So as promised here's a bunch of stuff from past all-star Saturday's:

Steph wins his first 3 point contest


The team Bosh shooting stars 3peat:


Jason Kapono ties Craig Hodges record


Craig Hodges sets the record for points and makes (makes still stands)


Mike sets the record for fewest points in a 3 point contest


Larry Legend wins in his warm-up


Jordan vs Nique

full 88 dunk contest


NBA H.O.R.S.E a short lived event


J-Rich dunk contest highlights



And finally the greatest dunk contest performance ever by Mr. Vincent Lamar Carter
(full contest)


(just Vince's dunks)






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