With all the injuries and blowout losses, the Wizards are as ready for the All-Star break as any team in the NBA. Of course, none of the team’s players will take part in Sunday’s All-Star Game (Sunday, 7 p.m., TNT) at Staples Center, but the Wizards hope John Wall and JaVale McGee will give a taste of their promise for the future. McGee will be competing in the weekend’s other big event, the Slam Dunk Contest:
JaVale McGee, Wizards
McGee begins every game by jumping up and touching the highest spot on the backboard he can reach — more than just a couple inches above the square — and it would be to his advantage to show that with his size and wingspan, he can get higher than any dunk contest participant ever has before. There were rumors he might get some help from his mom, former WNBA star Pamela McGee, but if he can combine his point guard tendencies with his length, he won’t need that or assistance from coach Chris Webber.
Blake Griffin, Clippers
It’s almost a shame that the dunk contest is a competition of individual expression because Griffin has made a habit of embarrassing defenders with posterizing jams nearly every night. With the combination of incredible leaping ability and raw power, the runaway rookie of the year — an All-Star who could be the weekend’s biggest attraction — enters as the prohibitive favorite. His windmill is downright scary.
| Other events |
| Rookie Challenge (Friday, 9 p.m., TNT) |
| John Wall, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, highlights the rookie team roster, while the second overall pick, Evan Turner, wasn’t even invited. Ouch. Former Georgetown big man Greg Monroe, budding superstar Blake Griffin and two of Wall’s former Kentucky teammates — DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe — also will help the rookies take on Stephen Curry, DeJuan Blair and the rest of the sophomores. |
| Skills Challenge (Saturday, 8 p.m., TNT) |
| Wall was chosen along with Curry, Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook in a fan vote to compete against New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul in a dribble, pass and shoot obstacle course. Phoenix’s Steve Nash, the 2010 champion, wasn’t on the ballot (nor is he an All-Star). |
| 3-point Shootout (Saturday, 8:30 p.m., TNT) |
| A celebration of all-time 3-point leader Ray Allen is likely to ensue even though the Boston guard’s main competition is 2010 champion and Celtics teammate Paul Pierce. Golden State’s Dorell Wright appears to have gotten in for leading the NBA in 3-point attempts, while San Antonio’s Matt Bonner was left out despite leading the league from beyond the arc (50.4 percent). – Craig Stouffer |
DeMar DeRozan, Raptors
DeRozan came in second last year to Nate Robinson by a 51-49 percent vote after beating out Eric Gordon during halftime of the Rookie Challenge just to get into the contest. This weekend, after replacing Brandon Jennings, DeRozan could have the hometown Los Angeles crowd on his side.
Serge Ibaka, Thunder
The second-year player from Congo might be a little out of place among the dunk contest participants. He’s got the athletic tools, but the flash and creativity are a different story. Plus, Thunder coach Matt Brooks told the Oklahoman he’s being coached by teammate Kevin Durant. “That’s Serge’s problem right there,” Brooks said. “KD has one dunk, the one-handed tomahawk. That’s all he brings to the table. … I’m serious. I don’t know what he’s going to do. I’m worried.”
