Halftime Hype

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.

As spectators everywhere marveled at Kobe Bryant's game-winner versus the Boston Celtics (in Boston) on Sunday, after the game, I couldn't help but look forward to the NBA Finals. Honestly, it doesn't seem like there's a team in the Western Conference that could defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in a playoff series. Sure, they may encounter a speedbump here and there, but nobody else in the West is capable of truly challenging the defending champs. Which got me thinking about the Eastern Conference. Despite the fact that the Boston Celtics are currently 7 games behind the Cavs, the two teams seem like the frontrunners in the East. Of course, we can't forget about the Atlanta Hawks.

On paper, Boston is undoubtedly the most talented team in the East and right there with L.A. They just seem like the more disciplined team. They already had the vets among the Allen-Garnett-Pierce triumvate, but Rasheed Wallace adds championship & NBA Finals experience. Furthermore, the development of Rajon Rondo has been a huge factor toward the Celtics' success thus far. One of ABC's commentators, I believe it was Van Gundy, noted today that in the past the vets weren't quite comfortable with Rondo facilitating the offense.

But, of course, things have changed. Rondo has emerged as a rising prospect in the league, a walking double-double if you will. If only he could hit his free-throws. In addition to this already talented cast, at center may be one of the most underrated players in the league: Kendrick Perkins. With his big frame, he's able to give his opponents trouble en route to averaging 2 blocks per game. Offensively, when a guy is shooting over 63% he deserves his props.

However, as good as they may be, the Celtics' vets are just that - veterans, experienced but old players. They have become increasingly injury-prone, and this squad hasn't proven that they are able to consistently win without one of their key pieces. Plus, in the last two seasons it's taken the Celtics 7 games to advance out of the first round. That kind of fatigue can't be good.



Then, I remembered the Cleveland Cavaliers. When you have one of the best players in the game, you're bound to make a solid run for the cup. Although analysts claim he doesn't have much help, I'm not buying it. Anderson Varejao is a hustle player who can ultimately change the outcome of games. Shaq, though he no longer dominates, still has a physical presence that frustates the opposition. To make it a 1-2 punch in the frontcourt is Big Z, who has range and height. Oh, and let's not forget about Mo Williams, a good playmaker equally capable of scoring as he is passing. J.J. Hickson has been a great boost as well. Anthony Parker is able to come in and chip in a few points here and there. Jamario Moon has some of the best hops in the league. Lebron may not play alongside star-studded talent, but he does have some good pieces among him.

One of the things that stands out when contrasting the Cavs with the Celtics is how they've faired against the defending champs. Whether or not the Cavs managed to catch the Lakers off guard (twice!) or they were just pure victories, they were still able to defeat them handily on the road and come away with a victory at the Q. The Celtics, on the other hand, weren't able to hold a double-digit lead vs. the Lake Show...at home. As Lebron has said before, the Lakers serve as a "measuring stick", and in this sense, the Cavs have faired better than the fellows in Beantown.

Everything considered, though, Lebron is the heart and soul of the team. If you're able to negatively alter his game (easier said than done), the Cavs won't have a chance of winning a playoff series; throughout the course of multiple playoff games, if the opposition can at least wear Lebron down, chances aren't that great for the Cavs. Then again, the Cavs are looking extra hungry this year and with Lebron's free agency approaching, Cleveland is doing the best it can to go for the gold.

Now the Atlanta Hawks are one special team. Having gone all the way to seven games with the Celtics in the same year as their championship run just two seasons ago, this team always excities me. On the flip side, though, it took them seven games to defeat a mediocre Miami squad last season. Nonetheless, this is a different team, in small part because of Josh Smith's maturity as a player.



What's so great about the roster is the youth. This team is among the Eastern Conference elite and the average age of a member of the starting lineup is about 26 years old. Make sure not to sleep on these ballers. Running the point is the experience of Mike Bibby, the former Sacramento Kings player who is capable of nailing down a long-range jumper just as easily as throwing up a floater. Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford are probably two of the most underrated players in the league, both of whom can create looks for themselves at will. Josh Smith, who has grasped an understanding of his capabilities, has no problem flying for a jam or, just as lovely, a monstrous block. Al Horford is a terrific rebounder and shotblocker, who has proven his abilities from Day 1.

All in all, you don't want to mess with this Hawks team. In the playoffs, leaving their court with a win is no small task, either. The names on the roster might not stand out at first, but the game of the Atlanta Hawks shouldn't be underestimated.

Despite a somewhat impressive record, my judgement has convinced me not to bring up the Orlando Magic. For some reason, they seem like they lack the heart and fluid-ness required to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Vince Carter is no longer what he used to be. Dwight Howard can't hit free-throws. Also, has he thought of adding some range to his game. Rebounding, shot-blocking, and dunking make up a great skillset, but it's ok to take a shot out of the paint every once in awhile.

Who knows, I could be totally wrong about these predictions. The Hawks may be upset in the first round and the Magic might face off against someone other than Lakers. Right now, though, Boston seems like the disciplined team, the Cavs have the most heart, and the Hawks are not to be forgotten. Can't wait until June already!

"I love the daunks"

For the past few years, it seems like the Dunk Contest is the main attraction of All-Star Weekend -aside from the All-Star Game itself, of course. This year happens to more exciting than the rest, though. In the past, Dwight Howard managed to earn high scores simply because he was a big name. Exhibit A: Superman doesn't even dunk, but throws the ball in a massive leap. Impressive, but not a dunk. Exhibit B: By far one of the stupidest and least creative dunks I've ever seen, Dwight puts a higher hoop and just jumps. This year, with Nate Robinson being a possible exception, none of the contestants have achieved superstar status.

Furthermore, there has been a new addition to the festivities. A dunk-in between Clippers guard Eric Gordon and Raptors forward Demar DeRozan will determine the fourth contestant. At the surface, it sounds like an amusing idea. Although after some thought, I realized it can only hurt Gordon and Dear; it would give the other three contestants - Gerald Wallace, Shannon Brown, and Nate Robinson - an advantage. Dear and Gordon will have already demonstrated some of their creative dunks, which will require either Demar or Gordan to practice more creative dunks with just one day to prepare.

Regardless, this year's contestant's are very amusing and the dunk-in method may prove to work out better than last year's fan voting. Honestly, I believe everyone knew Russel Westbrook deserved a spot more than anyone else, but Rudy Fernandez was just too funny in the commercials. With his thick Spanish accent, you couldn't help yourself; you just had to laugh.

This year was somewhat unprecedented in the way fans showed their support - at least, for Shannon Brown. It's not a secret that he has hops. The only question was if he'd be able to show them playing alongside Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom. Fortunately, he did. But throughout the season, fans showed their support for the Michigan State alum at letshannondunk.com. Quite interesting.

Overall, it seems like there's a little more buzz for this year's contest in small part because of the Lebron James debacle. He declared that he would participate if selected, then backed out. To add more hype to the frenzy, Shaq decided to become LBJ's manager and announce his client would only play if Kobe, Vince Carter, and other stars also participated - to which Kobe Bryant chuckled. For those that are disappointed that Lebron backed out, don't be. He would've automatically won and it would have been just another accolade for him. Let other rising stock receive popularity and get a ticket to All-Star Weekend. After all, Lebron is already participating in the All-Star Game itself.

With such diverse players, this year's Dunk Contest seems like it'll meet the hype, if not surpass it.

With two Lakers losses, one against the hometown rivals, the Clippers, and at the hostile Rose Garden against the Portland Trailblazers (technically, the Clippers game was a "road" game for the Lakers). The Lakers haven't loss consecutive games in quite some time and have been bailed out too many times by clutch performances from Kobe. The question on the minds of many fans is whether or not the Lakers are still the NBA's best.

According to their 28-8 record, the Lakers are still officially the most successful team in the NBA. There's no doubt the Lakers deserve credit for that. However, as analysts have been eager to point out, the squad hasn't proved itself on the road, especially in Portland, where they last won in 2005. Then again, the absences of Gasol and Artest have definitely taken a toll.

To be the best, though, you have to win against the other great teams in the league, as well as lesser opponents. The entire Lakers team came in to the Christmas Day matchup versus the Cavs with an unacceptable attitude. They downplayed the game simply because they weren't playing the Boston Celtics. Here's some news: The Cavs were third place in the Eastern Conference coming into Christmas Day - meaning they are still an elite team. On December 30, when I was on Correy Costelloe's Home Turf on December 30, merely 5 days after the horrible loss, the Cavs trailed Boston by only half a game for #1 in the East. At the moment, Cleveland is ahead of Boston by 1 game for best in the conference.

However, there's nothing that can be done to reverse what's already happened; rather, there are certain improvements that can be made to have a better future. Understand that no particular individual is at fault for the Lakers' few and rare shortcomings.

Hello, readers. You may have heard me on Corey Costelloe's radio show, Home Turf, on 1230 AM ESPN Bakersfield earlier today. If you did, leave a comment and let me know what you thought. If you didn't or just really enjoyed my commentary, I'll try to post an .mp3 soon. Until then, best wishes for a Happy New Year!