I'll elaborate on trades (i.e. the Mavs-Wizards deal) after the trade deadline on Thursday. RealGM.com already has my head spinning with rumors.
creativity [kree-ey-tiv-i-tee] –noun: the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination
All of the above was nowhere to be found during a three-day period dubbed as "NBA All-Star Weekend." I wasn't actually in Dallas, so I can't comment on the array of parties, but there was nothing particularly flashy - or creative - about this year's events. When the venue is getting more attention than the event, something's wrong. Sure, Cowboys Stadium can fit A LOT of people. But is it neccessary to pack 108,000+ people into a dome to watch a basketball game? In one word, as my cousin described it, the whole thing was "wack."
The celebrity game may be the most boring event of all. I'd like to elaborate on my opinion, but, truth be told, I barely watched it. I will praise whoever selected the teams, as it was nice to see memorable retired players come out for another hoorah, as well as participation from a few Harlem Globetrotters. Judging from the small snippets I saw, the league may want to consider limiting the Friday game solely to former NBA players or having former NBA players face off against Globetrotters. Although, and I'm sure many will agree, it was fun(ny) to see Mark Cuban out there. On Friday night, it was nice to finally see the rooks win for a change. Although, it was equally impressive to see Russell Westbrook score 40 points. At halftime, The dunk-in between Eric Gordon and DeMar DeRozan was somewhat interesting. Personally, I thought Eric Gordon was more creative and had better dunks, but he needed multiple attempts and DeMar didn't.
The following day, the 2nd annual H-O-R-S-E competition was a disappointment - for the second consecutive year. I question the motives behind Omri Casspi's selection, but, what the heck, let the foreign rookie get involved in All-Star weekend. Anyway, due to time constraints, the contest turned into a three-point shootout, with Kevin Durant beating Rajon Rondo (who didn't see that coming). Saturday's festivities continued with the Shooting Stars Challenege, a respectable way to hype people up. I haven't done enough research on the WNBA participants, so I can't be too sure when I say this, but the squads seemed pretty fair. The only thing that perplexed me was seeing the bigs from Team Sacramento and Team Los Angeles, Chris Webber and Pau Gasol, starting off shooting from behind the arc (position 3), rather than a mid-range shot (position 2).
The Skills Challenge, for the first time in recent history, may have been more enjoyable than the Dunk Contest. Props to Steve Nash for winning despite his age and fatigue from participating in the Winter Olympics opening ceremony then flying to Dallas - less than 24 hours before the Skills Challenge. I'm still trying to figure out how a jetlagged 36 year old beat players more than a decade younger than him. But right when things were starting to get exciting, the three-point shootout toned down the mood. When you think about it, there's nothing stirring about watching six players take some wide-open shots from behind the arc. Of course, the league leader in three-point percentage, Paul Pierce, went on to win. A half-court shootout may have been a little more climatic, but that's just another idea for the league.
At last, fans were free to relish the highlight reel of highlight reels: the Dunk Contest. Besides Gerald Wallace, I knew all the other contests were capable of putting on a show. In the end, though, the whole thing went awry. Shannon Brown, hyped by legions of fans at LetShannonDunk.com, was the most disappointing of all. Some actually favored him to win it all, yet he probably could've produced better dunks in a game. Nate Robinson was mildly impressive, but Lebron James, had he participated, could have very well provided more showmanship, as well as more creative dunks. Charles Barkley had the best line of the night when he quipped that "maybe nobody's gonna win [the Dunk Contest]."
Then there was the game itself. Without Shaq and/or Kobe for the first time since '97, the game lacked personality and talent. During the starters' introductions, a friend watching the game with me remarked: "They should let Shaq play in the All-Star Game every year just to make it funny." Honestly, it wasn't the same without Shaq trying to imitate the Jabawokees. I don't know how much more interesting Kobe could have made it, but I'll bet he could have gotten the West a W. At least there were less "snubs." Numerous injuries allowed otherwise deserving players to participate. It was a surprise to see so many first-timers. Who else was surprised that it was Deron Williams' first All-Star game? Regardless, I, for one, appreciated the fact that it was a competitive game, though it could've used a better ending. Imagine if Carmelo had made that three for the win?
As for the performances at the All-Star Game , the acts were satisfactory. Usher undoubtedly fit the demographic and although I didn't think his songs were particularly amazing, the choreography made up for it. Although I enjoyed her performance, Shakira's discography strays away from that of the typical NBA fan's. To conclude halftime on a good note, Alicia Keys showcased her vocal abilities, despite the fact that she wasn't much of an adrenaline-pumper.
Not to be forgotten was the actual site of All-Star Weekend, Cowboys Stadium, massive enough to seat the 108,713 obersvers in attendance. The only people who may feel more disappointed than fans, are the fans that paid to see the events live at Cowboys Stadium. Ever since I saw tape of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, or Lew Alcindor as he was known then, and his UCLA teammates versus Houston University at the Astrodome way back in the day, I've never understood the motive behind playing basketball in a large dome or football stadium. It just doesn't fit. Even though the players were amazed by the scene surrounding them, basketball was meant to be played in its own facility. During the Final Four, the sight of coaches and reserves lower than the court was simply strange. During NBA All-Star weekend, it was even stranger. However, it seemed like the players and fans both enjoyed the venue, so I guess the people that mattered weren't that alienated by it.
Was this All-Star Weekend relatively memorable for the fans? Not really. Without the presence of Kobe Bryant, humor from Shaquille O'Neal, a proper venue, and an all-around lack of creativity or excitement, the NBA gave many fans forgettable performance upon forgettable performance. At most, the 2010 All-Star Weekend will be remembered historically for its attendance record and little else.
All of the above was nowhere to be found during a three-day period dubbed as "NBA All-Star Weekend." I wasn't actually in Dallas, so I can't comment on the array of parties, but there was nothing particularly flashy - or creative - about this year's events. When the venue is getting more attention than the event, something's wrong. Sure, Cowboys Stadium can fit A LOT of people. But is it neccessary to pack 108,000+ people into a dome to watch a basketball game? In one word, as my cousin described it, the whole thing was "wack."
The celebrity game may be the most boring event of all. I'd like to elaborate on my opinion, but, truth be told, I barely watched it. I will praise whoever selected the teams, as it was nice to see memorable retired players come out for another hoorah, as well as participation from a few Harlem Globetrotters. Judging from the small snippets I saw, the league may want to consider limiting the Friday game solely to former NBA players or having former NBA players face off against Globetrotters. Although, and I'm sure many will agree, it was fun(ny) to see Mark Cuban out there. On Friday night, it was nice to finally see the rooks win for a change. Although, it was equally impressive to see Russell Westbrook score 40 points. At halftime, The dunk-in between Eric Gordon and DeMar DeRozan was somewhat interesting. Personally, I thought Eric Gordon was more creative and had better dunks, but he needed multiple attempts and DeMar didn't.
The following day, the 2nd annual H-O-R-S-E competition was a disappointment - for the second consecutive year. I question the motives behind Omri Casspi's selection, but, what the heck, let the foreign rookie get involved in All-Star weekend. Anyway, due to time constraints, the contest turned into a three-point shootout, with Kevin Durant beating Rajon Rondo (who didn't see that coming). Saturday's festivities continued with the Shooting Stars Challenege, a respectable way to hype people up. I haven't done enough research on the WNBA participants, so I can't be too sure when I say this, but the squads seemed pretty fair. The only thing that perplexed me was seeing the bigs from Team Sacramento and Team Los Angeles, Chris Webber and Pau Gasol, starting off shooting from behind the arc (position 3), rather than a mid-range shot (position 2).
The Skills Challenge, for the first time in recent history, may have been more enjoyable than the Dunk Contest. Props to Steve Nash for winning despite his age and fatigue from participating in the Winter Olympics opening ceremony then flying to Dallas - less than 24 hours before the Skills Challenge. I'm still trying to figure out how a jetlagged 36 year old beat players more than a decade younger than him. But right when things were starting to get exciting, the three-point shootout toned down the mood. When you think about it, there's nothing stirring about watching six players take some wide-open shots from behind the arc. Of course, the league leader in three-point percentage, Paul Pierce, went on to win. A half-court shootout may have been a little more climatic, but that's just another idea for the league.
At last, fans were free to relish the highlight reel of highlight reels: the Dunk Contest. Besides Gerald Wallace, I knew all the other contests were capable of putting on a show. In the end, though, the whole thing went awry. Shannon Brown, hyped by legions of fans at LetShannonDunk.com, was the most disappointing of all. Some actually favored him to win it all, yet he probably could've produced better dunks in a game. Nate Robinson was mildly impressive, but Lebron James, had he participated, could have very well provided more showmanship, as well as more creative dunks. Charles Barkley had the best line of the night when he quipped that "maybe nobody's gonna win [the Dunk Contest]."
Then there was the game itself. Without Shaq and/or Kobe for the first time since '97, the game lacked personality and talent. During the starters' introductions, a friend watching the game with me remarked: "They should let Shaq play in the All-Star Game every year just to make it funny." Honestly, it wasn't the same without Shaq trying to imitate the Jabawokees. I don't know how much more interesting Kobe could have made it, but I'll bet he could have gotten the West a W. At least there were less "snubs." Numerous injuries allowed otherwise deserving players to participate. It was a surprise to see so many first-timers. Who else was surprised that it was Deron Williams' first All-Star game? Regardless, I, for one, appreciated the fact that it was a competitive game, though it could've used a better ending. Imagine if Carmelo had made that three for the win?
As for the performances at the All-Star Game , the acts were satisfactory. Usher undoubtedly fit the demographic and although I didn't think his songs were particularly amazing, the choreography made up for it. Although I enjoyed her performance, Shakira's discography strays away from that of the typical NBA fan's. To conclude halftime on a good note, Alicia Keys showcased her vocal abilities, despite the fact that she wasn't much of an adrenaline-pumper.
Not to be forgotten was the actual site of All-Star Weekend, Cowboys Stadium, massive enough to seat the 108,713 obersvers in attendance. The only people who may feel more disappointed than fans, are the fans that paid to see the events live at Cowboys Stadium. Ever since I saw tape of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, or Lew Alcindor as he was known then, and his UCLA teammates versus Houston University at the Astrodome way back in the day, I've never understood the motive behind playing basketball in a large dome or football stadium. It just doesn't fit. Even though the players were amazed by the scene surrounding them, basketball was meant to be played in its own facility. During the Final Four, the sight of coaches and reserves lower than the court was simply strange. During NBA All-Star weekend, it was even stranger. However, it seemed like the players and fans both enjoyed the venue, so I guess the people that mattered weren't that alienated by it.
Was this All-Star Weekend relatively memorable for the fans? Not really. Without the presence of Kobe Bryant, humor from Shaquille O'Neal, a proper venue, and an all-around lack of creativity or excitement, the NBA gave many fans forgettable performance upon forgettable performance. At most, the 2010 All-Star Weekend will be remembered historically for its attendance record and little else.
