Started writing a just-for-fun post and ended up making it a just-for-fun article for Sportstwo's main page. Please take it in the spirit it's intended. I'm definitely not looking for support...just venting. And I have no doubt that my advanced age is a big factor. So is the fact that I stubbornly hold on to the belief that defense is a necessary, beautiful and important part of the game. In past years, I've ended up watching a few minutes of the festivities, as much by accident as anything. This year, for reasons of both choice and necessity, I've watched not one second. I haven't missed it. The rookie-soph game? Well, ya gotta love this country when they can hold a layup drill in prime time. Heard it was 148-140. I cashed in on "the under" so this has been my highlight of the weekend. Justin Bieber? Professional basketball needs this? Really? The Skills competition? What genius came up with this and what the heck is the point? Anyway, I heard the Warriors Steph Curry won, upsetting defending champ Derrick Rose of my beloved Bulls. Frankly, I can't believe it. Did they like add something new to the thing like spinning a ball on your nose for 30 seconds? I'm sure that some Bulls' fans are upset that Rose has devoted such an inordinate amount of his time to carrying his team to legitimate contender status when he could have been practicing threading those passes through the hula-hoop. Heard that Griffin jumped over a car (The Official Car of the NBA, of course...even though almost no NBA player could fit in it) to win the Slam-Dunk competition. Yeah, I missed that too (please don't send links to the video...until the league decides to play their games in auto dealership parking lots, I truly don't see the point). Haven't heard who won the 3-point shootout. Don't really care either, but admit that the event is appropriate for the weekend and admire its inherent honesty...shoot fast and shoot a lot without even the pretense of any defense. If I failed to recognize any other preliminary events, I sincerely apologize, particularly if they involved innocent farm animals, clowns or really big brightly-colored balloons. Last year was the first time in years that I made a point to be in front of the TV when the actual All Star Game started because, for the first time in what seemed like forever, a Bulls player was actually participating. I couldn't watch to the finish. It's somewhat embarrassing, but I have to admit that the nausea got the better of me and the whole exercise reminded me of why I had taken a decade off. I've promised my 22 year-old son Tim that I'd dose-up with my Dramamine and give it another try tonight. I actually do want to see how Rose plays with the East's mega-star-studded starting team. Can't make any promises on how long I'll stick with it, but if I were you, I'd go with the under. Tom Nossem
Blake Griffin jumping over the car to dunk... After Baron Davis flicked the ball to him through the sun roof... Was pretty freaking cool. Even my dad, who's significantly more advanced in age, and probably crotchetiness, than you thought it was pretty amazing. Which is the point. Some things are just worth seeing because they're fun to see
If you found it entertaining, that's great. If your dad was able to enjoy it with you, even better. It's truly one of those "to each his own" things.
It is a good vacation break to have anyway. A nice refresher. The all-star events don't matter to me although they may be interesting once in a while.
Personally I thought the dunk contest was one of the better competitions they have had in years. As for the 3 point shooting contest, it sucked. Sorry that is the only word I could come up with. Never have cared about the other two contests.
And Rose could have been in the finals but jogged his way, he looked like he didn't care about giving that Diaz kid the scholarship lol
Im calling shenanigans on the dunk contest. No way the NBA would not allow Blake to dunk over that Kia. Plus he jumped over a cars hood. Chuck was right, not an impressive dunk. If he wanted to impress me maybe dunk over a monster truck.
But I get the general point ... the soft scrimmages , the sugary schmaltz... its not really for the hardcore basketball fan its for the casual butthead who wouldn't know shit from shinola
In truth, I didn't watch any part of last night and am driving across indiana right now, so I'm not seeing any of tonight either. Aside from the dunk, which I dough out bc it sounded interesting and could be viewed in under a minute, I have no interest. FJ... Unless you were in the seat behind Baron Davis, I find your sense of priority distinct from my own.
I like the weekend because of Charles, Kenny, Ernie Johnson and the rest of the Inside the NBA Crew. I could listen to those guys talk about dog grooming, and probably still come away relatively entertained. I like it because it celebrates all that is not what the NBA is about, and sometimes I think we hardcore fans are too concerned about team play, defense, etc.
Watched the first half of the game. Our boy DRose didn't seem all that into it, but those shoes were somethin'. Was about to go upstairs when the halftime show came on. Son Tim told me the girl's name is Rihanna. Watched all of that. I'm old, but I'm not dead.
All star weekend has never done that much for me either. The dunk competition is nice, but I'd rather watch highlights than the whole thing. I still remember the year Nate Robinson won. It was awful. It took him about 10 tries to complete each dunk. The whole thing was drab and boring, but the powers that be decided it'd be cute if another short guy won it.
Yeah, that one swore me off actually watching live when I can just watch the winning clip and highlights.
I didn't watch it because I hated the All star selection by the fans. I think there should be more coaches involvement with the voting. Stat wise, Duncan's P.E.R. was lower than LaMarcu's. LaMarcus Aldridge has put up amazing numbers this year and his improved his game over the 2009-2010 season.
