2014 NBA All-Star Weekend Picks: Predictions for Each Event including Slam Dunk and All Star Game: The 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend has arrived, and after the always-ridiculous Celebrity Game is finished with, the real stars of the league will take to the court in a variety of competitions leading up to Sunday’s All-Star Game. The Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout are probably the most famous events outside of the All-Star Game itself, but even the Rising Star Challenge and Skills Challenge are loaded with some big names. Before the festivities get rolling Friday night, here is a closer look at which players and teams have the best chance to come out on top during All-Star Weekend.
Rising Stars Challenge: Team Hill
While Chris Webber’s team has the best individual player in Anthony Davis, his team simply doesn’t have enough overall size to compete with Grant Hill’s team. Outside of Davis, Webber’s team has Mason Plumlee, Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger in the frontcourt while Hill counters with the likes of Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Terrence Jones. Heck, Hill’s bunch also has the two best shooters in Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Team Hill has the size and the firepower to win the Rising Stars Challenge comfortably.
Shooting Stars Competition: Team Hardaway
Compared to Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Chris Bosh, Tom Hardaway Jr. is certainly the least accomplished NBA player for any of the four teams in this competition. However, I trust the shooting of his father Tim Hardaway more than that of fellow old timers Dominique Wilkins and Karl Malone. Hardaway’s team also has WNBA player Elena Delle Donne, who has great range and the frame to be a factor when it comes to the half-court shot.
Skills Challenge: Goran Dragic
Defending champion Damian Lillard is going to be a serious factor, but Dragic not only has the all-around game to handle the course, but he is also used to playing at an up-tempo pace. Looking at the contestants, Dragic and Lillard are really the only two players that are equally adept at passing and shooting. I expect the frantic pace that Dragic plays at on a routine basis to pay dividends.
3-Point Shootout: Stephen Curry
Last year, Curry entered the 3-Point Shootout with a ton of hype and expectations only to get bounced in the first round. Still, it’s tough to deny that the guy is the best 3-point shooter in the NBA today, and now that he has firmly established himself as a superstar in the league, he probably won’t be overwhelmed by the stage this time around. I expect Curry to be a lot more confident and a lot more relaxed as he shoots his way to the 3-point Shootout title.
Slam Dunk Contest: Paul George
Terrence Ross isn’t going to be easy to dethrone, and smaller players like John Wall and Damian Lillard always seem a little more impressive because of the Spud Webb/Nate Robinson shortness factor. That being said, George has plenty of athleticism and a long, slim frame that makes his dunks very easy on the eyes. Similar to Vince Carter, George always looks smooth and fluid even when attempting advanced dunks. Look for George to unveil an impressive arsenal of slams to claim the title.
All-Star Game: Western Conference
The Western Conference has won the last three All-Star Games, and considering how deep the conference is compared to the East once again, a fourth straight win seems inevitable. After all, the East really doesn’t have an answer for the combination of size and skill the Western Conference brings to the table in the form of Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dwight Howard and Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin. Granted, little defense is played anyway, but the Eastern Conference is flat out undermanned this time around.
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