The NBA's newcomers just wanted to have fun in the Rookie Challenge Friday night while the second-year class chose to make a statement. The dunks were plenty and at a high altitude from both sides. The NBA sophmores which included names such as Chris Paul, Andrew Bogut, Raymond Felton, Monta Ellis, and Deron Williams were determined to get shown up or embarrassed. I think the 41 point spread make that real clear with an empathic 155-114 beat down. Watching the game, it was kind of strange to see kids surrounding the arena instead of a normal crowd. Since it was a kids' benefit, a youth served as the honorary PA announcer. The kid actually did a real good job.
Everyone seemed to have a good time as the players showcased their athletic abilities and talent. I couldn't help, but notice that all Monta Ellis wanted to do was dunk or that his teammates wanted to throw nothing besides alley-oops to him. Knicks forward, David Lee who went on to receive the MVP award also scores most of points in similar fashion. That would explain the unbelievable high shooting percentage as he went 14-for-14 from the field. It was all good fun so it really didn't matter who won the game, scored the most points, or hogged the ball (yeah, I'm talking about Ellis....only kidding, that guy has got an amazing vertical leap). Rudy Gay and Paul Millsap tied for the scoring leaders for the rookies with 22 each.
The main prime-time All-Star festivities kick off tonight on TNT at 8:30 p.m. ET. I'm pulling for Lebron James to win the Skills Challenge. Look for him to rebound from last year. For the 3-point shootout I'm going with Gilbert Arenas. He's a dead-aim shooter, although has the lowest 3-point % of anyone in this contest. Being an unlikely favorite to win I think this will motivate Arenas. The slam dunk contest will be up-in-air as to who will win in my opinion. Considering all the players' sizes and vertical leaps I pick the Bulls' Tyrus Thomas. It's a tough call because any one of the participants could pull off a miraclous dunk in the final round.
A group of NBA legends and former dunk champions will be the judges which consist of Julius Irwing, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Kobe Byrant, and Vince Carter on the much anticipated contest. One man who won't be on hand for the gala is Tim Hardaway. After acting like a prick and making his position on gay athletes/individuals known to the public he was banned from all All-Star fesitivties. As far as the Barkley vs. Bevetta bet is concerned, I hope Barkley wears his best pair of Nikes. If he loses the race to the near elderly referee he'll never been able to hear the end of it. Despite the cat-calling and ribbing, I believe Sir Charles will come out on top....though only by a few inches!
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