2010 NBA All-Star Weekend Preview

On the eve of the 2010 All-Star Weekend in Dallas, Vince Carter’s 48-point performance Monday night vs. New Orleans provided a trip down memory lane for those who remember “Vinsanity” from his early days in the Association – when he was a high-flying, point-scoring machine who made the highlight reels on a nightly-basis. Those days are ancient history now for Carter, with the exception of the odd outburst every 5 years (he scored his career-high of 51 in 2005 with New Jersey and originally back in 2000 with Toronto), but his magical display vs. the Hornets offers a timely reminder of a once-great All-Star during an era when Vince ruled the basketball world.

Slam Dunk Contest

Turn back the clock to the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, when Vince turned the collective masses on their heads with the most awesome display of dunking ever witnessed. With all due respect to MJ, ‘Nique and the other forefathers of Dunk, Carter’s exploits in Oakland were truly golden and still stand as the benchmark for dunkers to this day.

It’s too bad LeBron reneged on his (half) promise to indulge hoops fans by taking part in this year’s contest. Imagine the possibilities – he’s really the only guy who’s athletic and skilled enough to take on the legend of Carter. It’s just a crying shame today’s NBA superstars rarely, if ever, compete in the Dunk contest – it’s the stuff legends are made. Just ask Air Jordan. I guess in today’s day and age, when you’re already cashing in big time from Day 1 in the league, there’s nothing to left to prove.

On the other hand, two guys who continuously have proved the doubters wrong throughout their careers will be taking part in this year’s Dunk contest: The defending champion, 5′9″ Nate Robinson of the Knicks, and the original Dean of Diminutive Dunkers, the five-foot, seven-inch Spud Webb, class of ‘86. It was announced this week that Webb will make his dubious return as a judge in this year’s competition – perhaps intended as a goodwill gesture, ensuring Spud a front row seat so he can actually see the action over the trees of NBA players courtside. Remember back in ‘06, when Robinson leapt over Webb to clinch the first of his two Slam titles? You gotta figure, with Webb on the panel this year, Robinson clearly enters this contest as the favourite to repeat as champ.

But hold on, there’s breaking news that Robinson may skip All-Star Weekend because of a strained left groin. Robinson pulling out opens the door for BOTH the Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan and the Clippers’ Eric Gordon to compete in the contest (rather than have their pre-arranged “dunk-off” for the final spot), but I actually look for Webb to step in in Nate’s absence, wowing the crowd with 3 unforgettable layups that propel him to a last place finish.

Three-Point Contest

I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that Miami’s Daequan Cook will NOT repeat as the trifecta champion this year. Call it a hunch or base it off of his 4.5 PPG and .358% shooting percentage this season from beyond the arc. My pick to win this year’s shootout is rookie sharpshooter Stephen Curry of the Warriors. He’s got that undeniable stroke from downtown that will send the rest of this year’s competition packing, including favourites Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups.

East vs. West All-Star Game

I’ve resigned myself to the fact that fans will continue to vote in Allen Iverson long after he’s retired from the game. But after having to take off the Sixers’ next two games to attend to the illness of one of his children, it remains in doubt whether or not AI will participate. Same goes for Kobe Bryant, who’s status is questionable after spraining his ankle during a game last week. Expect the gutsy Bryant to take his rightful place as starter, only to be replaced after the first whistle by Western Conference Head Coach George Karl. As for Iverson, my guess is he will not participate in the game, and rightfully so.

Back to MJ for a moment, where in a classy move, the six-time NBA champion offered his congratulations this week to Chicago’s Derrick Rose, who was recently named as an All-Star reserve for the Eastern Conference, becoming the first Bulls player since MJ in ‘98 to make the squad.

Of all the players earning their place as reserves for their respective conference in this year’s All-Star Game, the biggest surprise has to be the Grizzlies’ Zach Randolph. This guy has completely resurrected his career in Memphis this season after almost fading into complete obscurity with the Knicks and Clippers last season. He’s currently one of only two players in the league to be averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. The other? Dallas-native Chris Bosh, who will be participating in his 5th All-Star game, tying the aforementioned Vince Carter for the most appearances in Raptors’ history.