http://sports.yahoo.com/news/damian-lillard-dunk-contest-champion-161400729--nba.html Well, Damian Lillard will be doing just that come this weekend in New Orleans, during the NBA All-Star weekend, as he's in five contests (a record). To say he's got a full schedule seems an understatement, once you consider his weekend festivities. He's in the Rising Stars Challenge, the Skills Challenge, the Slam Dunk Contest, the Three-Point Shootout and the much-anticipated All-Star game (I'm out of breath from just typing that). In which event does he have the best opportunity to make a name for himself? Representing the Sophomore class in the Rising Stars Challenge, he will specifically be on Grant Hill's squad, accompanied by some other stellar two-year guys, including Bradley Beal and Harrison Barnes. This game seems inviting in itself because Lillard appears to be the best player, besides Anthony Davis, perhaps, from both rosters. He can definitely take advantage of his skill in this game. Look for the matchups against Michael Carter-Williams, Trey Burke, and Victor Oladipo -- they should be fun. As far as putting his mark, winding up with MVP is a good start. The Skills Challenge seemed like a no-brainer, considering he is the defending champion and what would you be if you didn't come back to defend what's yours? (Good job, Terrence Ross, Kyrie Irving) We'll see some familiar faces in Carter-Williams, Oladipo, and Burke. All signs point to Goran Dragic as the dark horse in this event; Dragic's name was snubbed from the West All-Star roster, so I'm sure the Slovenian will want to show the basketball world what they're missing. That being said, I think that Lillard has a good chance of repeating. It'll be interesting, nay impressive, to see if he can win more than one of these solo events. Look out for Reggie Jackson, too. Possibly the most anticipated of all the contests, the Dunk Contest has been deemed as "back," thanks to the entrance of John Wall, Paul George and others. Still waiting for you LeBron. George and Terrence Ross are video-game dunkers, meaning they excel at this kind of event. If you don't believe me, check out this from Paul George. John Wall holds high expectations and Ben McLemore could surprise as well. Lillard won't be winning this event, but that doesn't mean he won't do well (you can't win em' all Damian). He's an in-game dunker, and not a fantastic one at that, so my feeling is that the Dunk Contest winners will be reserved for either Ross or George. We saw last year how a point guard with solid shooting skills, but one not considered a pure "shooter," could win this event. Kyrie's back this year and hoping to protect his crown. Stephen Curry is always dangerous, as is Joe Johnson and Kevin Love, and you should also look out for Marco Belinelli. That being said, Lillard has to shine in one of these single events and my gut tells me it's this one. He's been shooting the long ball pretty effectively (41%) this season, and I'm sure he wants to win one of these solo events. His best chance, I think, is right here. He's gonna need his legs for this one! And let's just hope that, for Lillard's sake, that Curry isn't Curry; that could spell trouble for all shooters. It's hard to shine in the All-Star game, especially if it's your first time. Lillard will get assimilated nicely into the flow, as he will also become accustomed to, and with, the style of the All-Star game. Don't expect too much out of him here because he's sure to be running low on gas come Sunday. If you're a D-Lillard fan, you're in luck. This weekend is all Damian, all day. Let's just hope he has enough energy to dazzle us the second half of the season, as he so splendidly did in the first.
It depends on which product he jumps over. If it's a Kia, then sure. If it's a box of Depends, not so much.
Is there a skills individual winner? Is there a 3 PT individual winner? I think it's just East vs West which is stupid.
