Contestants: Dwight Howard (ORL), Nate Robinson (NYK), Rudy Fernandez (POR), J.R. Smith (DEN).
The most exciting and well-known competition in the all-star weekend has slowly lost its allure of the years. However, Dwight Howard's winning Superman performance has brought back some interest and he hopes to become the first consecutive winner since Jason Richardson in '02 and '03. However, he's going to feel some pressure from former winner Robinson, rookie Fernandez, and the athletic Smith. Smith and Robinson probably won't do too much. Smith is coming in as a replacement while Robinson has worn out his short dunking style. He's been in two all-star games already and his act his getting old. The finals should be between Howard and Fernandez. Coincidentally Fernandez posterized Howards over the summer in the Gold Medal game and the 2008 Olympics. I think Fernandez will surprise the league with a great performance and some surprising dunks.
Predicted Winner: Rudy Fernandez (POR)
Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout
Contestants: Mike Bibby (ATL), Daequan Cook (MIA), Danny Granger (IND), Jason Kapono (TOR), Rashard Lewis (ORL), Roger Mason (SAS).
Jason Kapono comes into the competition as the two time defending champion, once with Miami and last year with Toronto. However, there are some great 3-point shooters this year. Lewis and Granger come in as the two leading 3-point shooters in the league while Bibby, Cook, and Mason are all up there as well. Kapono has not been having his best season but that may be due to the Raptors' terrible year and inconsistent line-up. Kapono can never be counted out, as he comes in with not just experience, but winning experience as well.
Predicted Winner: Roger Mason (SAS)
Playstation Skills Challenge
Contestants: Devin Harris (NJN), Mo Williams (CLE), Tony Parker (SAS), Derrick Rose (CHI)
Interestingly, no previous winners of this competition have entered this year so the competition is completely up for grabs with no real favorite. This challenge seems to always attract the younger players and this year is no different. Parker and Williams are the oldest players at 26, Harris is 25, and Rose is a 20-year old rookie. Harris, Rose, and Parker are probably the favorites. Harris and Rose are good all-around players but Parker has great speed and this is a time competition.
Predicted Winner: Tony Parker (SAS)
G-E-I-C-O (Horse)
Contestants: Kevin Durant (OKL), O.J. Mayo (MEM), Joe Johnson (ATL)
The new addition to the all-star weekend should prove to generate some excitement. Featured are sophomore Durant, rookie Mayo, and veteran Johnson. They're all good shooters who definitely have some creativity in them. However, Johnson is probably the best shooter and will probably be the safest as well. You have to make the shot to win the competition so all the crazy attempts may cause interest, but the craziest shooter will not be the winner.
Predicted Winner: Joe Johnson (ATL)
-A.S
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