WBRS Sports Blog

It's an all-star game, it doesn't matter, blah blah blah. I don't know about you, but I'm a huge all-star weekend junkie, and with the game moving to Vegas this year, I'm even more excited than usual.

So who wins the events? Here's one man's opinion.

The Rookie Challenge

The game itself should be pretty obvious. I don't see how arguably the worst rookie class since 2000 can compete in any rookie challenge, especially when the sophomores can trot out Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Bill Simmons likes to say that point guards are the keys to exhibition games, and the sophomores are well-stacked in that category.

The more interesting debate is who will win the MVP. Here's how I handicap the odds.

The Field: 20-1

David Lee: 15-1
I can see it now. In response to Isaiah Thomas not playing him, Lee will play out of his mind and have a 20 rebounds, 22 point game.

Chris Paul: 8-1
You really can't go wrong with him, but I think he's going to do just enough to set someone else up.

Deron Williams: 8-1
For many of the same reasons as Paul.

Andrea Bargnani: 5-1
If the Rookies somehow find a way to win, I'm thinking Bargnani will get it. The sophomores won't be able to guard him.

Monta Ellis: 2-1
Exhibition games seem tailor made for Ellis. This is not to say that he's not a good player in real life (in fact, he might be the favorite for Most Improved Player). But with his athleticism, and with the point guards giving him the ball, Ellis is going to get plenty of fast-break points. Besides, we all know he's the next Gilbert Arenas anyway.



Skills Challenge

Can we just skip this? I'd rather see a 1 on 1 tournament instead. Either that, or a four-person P-I-G competition between Gilbert Arenas, Eddie House, Ben Gordon, and Larry Hughes? Wouldn't that be so much more entertaining? The battle of the undersized combo guards taking the same horrible shots they always seem to hit. I'd pay to watch something like that.

Three-Point Shootout

I thought this contest was supposed to have 8 people? Did I miss something? Anyway, handicapping the chances...

Jason Terry: 15-1. Sorry Mini Me, I really don't see Terry competing. He's more of a rhythm shooter than a stand-up one, so unless he gets hot early, I see him struggling mightily.

Jason Kapono: 15-1. I mean, he's a great shooter in games, but somehow, Kapono's just doesn't strike me as one of those exhibition shooters. He's also the most likely of the 6 to have the "happy to be here" syndrome, where he comes out so nervous and ends up bricking nearly all his 3s.

Gilbert Arenas: 10-1. You'd think I'm crazy, because you know that after finishing second last year, Arenas is going to really want to win again. But considering the way he's been shooting the ball in the last month, and his tendency to try too hard and press, I don't like his chances this year.

Dirk Nowitzki: 7-1. I mean, he could repeat, and it's been done before, but who honestly wishes for a repeat? Outside of Dallas fans like Mini Me, I don't see any reason to root for Nowitzki.

Damon Jones: 3-1. Nobody here has more to prove, and nobody is looking forward to this more than Jones, the self-proclaimed best shooter in the game. I personally think he'll make a long run, but fall just short when someone on the Pistons reminds him of Game 7 of the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals. (My bet's on Sheed for that).

Mike Miller: 2-1. You would think he's a longshot, but I have a gut feeling about this one. Miller's one of the more under appreciated players in the game, and it's unfortunate that he's had to waste his career on boring Memphis teams. Put Miller on Phoenix, and he'll average 20 points a game and hit 50 percent of his threes. He's going to come out of nowhere and shock everyone. You heard it here first.


Slam Dunk Contest

First of all, a quick word on the ultimate slam dunk contest in my mind. I mentioned in the comments section a couple weeks back that I like the rising stars aspect of it. Like it or not, the dunk contest always is a tipping point for something, whether it be greatness (MJ and Nique), a cult legend (Harold Miner), or ridicule (Chris Anderson). If you put veterans in the dunk contest, it robs it of this mystique. Unless you're a Dr. J level legend (Vince Carter would apply), you shouldn't be in the dunk contest if you're over 25.

With that being said, here's my ultimate 8.

-LeBron James
-Dwayne Wade
-J.R. Smith
-Monta Ellis
-Gerald Green
-Andre Iguodala
-Nate Robinson
-James White

Anyway, the odds on these contestants.

Nate Robinson: 20-1. I'm sorry, there's just no way he's repeating. There's a time limit this year, and he's not going to be able to generate the type of energy he did last year. That and they're not letting a 5-7 guy win a second time. Spud Webb's repeat bid didn't go over so well either.

Tyrus Thomas: 15-1. If you don't want to be there, you're not going to give it your all. That and I'm struggling to see why Thomas would be good for this contest. He's athletic, but it's more of a jumping-to-get-offensive-rebounds athletic than dunk-contest-athletic.

Dwight Howard: 10-1. He's a big guy, and big guys traditionally don't do well. But Amare Stoudemire was pretty solid in 2005. He's certainly going to do something cool.

Gerald Green: 3-2. Is there any way he doesn't win? Some of the stuff he does in games is pretty insane, and you know he's going to try to do something cool to restore Boston pride.



The All-Star game itself

With no point guards in play, get ready for a sloppy affair. I completely agree with Bill Simmons' assessment that point guards are the key in all-star games. They're the one throwing all the lobs and controlling the ball most of the time. Steve Nash and Jason Kidd are both out, and both teams are starting two shooting guards in the starting lineup. Get ready for a chuckfest, folks.

With all the injuries to the West, I see the East winning, and Gilbert getting MVP. He's going to take the most shots, after all.

Charles Barkley vs. Dick Bavetta

Dick Bavetta, easily. Like you needed to ask. This is going to be the beginning of the end for Charles' broadcasting career. Soon, he'll be on HBO with Rich Eisen.


Running Subplot of the Week

The day before the big race, Charles Barkley is going to be spotted gambling until 6 AM. Some blogger is going to catch it and post for all the world to see. Then, when Barkley gets smoked by Bavetta, there will be a new running joke in the blogosphere.

Odds on this happening: 1-1. It just makes too much sense.