The NBA All-Star Weekend always seems larger in scope than any other major sports showcase of their best athletes. The NBA trumps all leagues in this area because their all-star game showcases the best basketball players in the world in a high scoring, highlight packed full game of basketball. The game has no impact once over, but it thoroughly entertains from start to finish. Here are some of the things to look for this coming All-Star weekend as the basketball community and its followers flock to Toronto from Feb 12-14.
The defending champion and defending MVP Stephen Curry highlights the Three Point Contest, which airs on TNT on Saturday night. Teammate Klay Thompson, James Harden, Khris Middleton, Kyle Lowry, JJ Reddick, Chris Bosh, and Devin Booker round out the field. The Contest will go through three rounds, cutting from eight to four to two.
The Dunk Contest, which also occurs on Saturday night, is my favorite part of the weekend. Zach Lavine stole the show last year as a rookie to the NBA and the dunk contest, flying high and slamming on the rim with authority all night. As the reigning champ, he has returned to defend his title this year. Aaron Gordon, Will Barton and breakout center Andre Drummond complete the field.
The Eastern starters features veterans Melo, LeBron and D-Wade as well as hometown favorite Kyle Lowry and Paul George. Isaiah Thomas and Andre Drummond both make their first appearances as all-stars. The East is rounded out with Toronto’s Demar Derozan, Paul Milsap, Chris Bosh, John Wall and Pau Gasol. Jimmy Butler, who is having a real breakout campaign, was voted to the game but won’t play with an injury.
Top vote getter overall and in the West Kobe Bryant will start the all-star game in a farewell appearance in the Black Mamba’s final season in the league. Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook and Steph Curry are three of the absolute best in the league right now and will all start for the West as well. Kawhi Leonard has the unique honor of starting in his first all-star appearance. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson will both play for the West with Steph, making the Warriors the only team with three nominees. James Harden, Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, Boogie Cousins and LeMarcus Aldridge round out an absolutely stacked Western lineup.
Coverage for this spectacle of basketball start on ESPN at 7 p.m. of Friday and at 8:30 on TNT on Saturday and Sunday.