Kicking off tonight, the NBA All-Star Weekend gets back in full swing, across the three days in San Francisco. With Golden State having a representative in each of the events across the weekend, the action packed weekend boasts new stipulations and format for the All-Star Game.
Friday Night
Castrol Rising Stars Challenge
Vincent’s Pick: Team M
Led by former Warrior Mitch Richmond, this bunch of youngsters have taken leaps forward in many of their sophomore years, along with underrated rookies. Rockets forward Amen Thompson has truly developed into a threat on both ends of the floor, helping Houston into the mix in the West. Despite Washington’s team struggles, Bilal Coulibaly has expanded his skillset, doubling his rookie year assist numbers, while averaging about 12.5 points per game. Pelicans big man Yves Missi has been a dominating interior presence, grabbing over eight rebounds per game and sending away a shot and a half per game. Sophomore Trail Blazer teammates Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson have accepted their roles gracefully, with Camara slotting in as an improved scorer, while Henderson scoring more efficiently off the bench.
Reece’s Pick: Team C
The Rising Stars is always an interesting game to tune into. Many players attend this game who are trying to put their name on the map and grab the fans’ attention. These young stars are always hungry to get out there and play under the bright lights. Team C, led by Chris Mullin, looks very promising. This roster has many shot creators from Dalton Knecht, to Stephon Castle, Jaylen Wells and Keyonte George. As well as a dominant force in the paint with Zach Edey.
Saturday Night
Kia Skills Challenge
Vincent’s Pick: Team Cavs
In the first event of Saturday, four teams battle out for this test of all talents. Team Cavs won the competition at the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend, when they played host. Though the format has slightly changed, the prior experience from Evan Mobley, who is enjoying a career best in points per game (18.7) and three-point shooting (38.1%) will be one of the main driving forces to the team’s success. Teammate Donovan Mitchell hasn’t partaken in this event, but is one of the premier guards in the game.
Reece’s Pick: Team Spurs
When it comes to the skills challenge and I see the point god, Chris Paul, I can’t go against him. Chris Paul is a magician with the basketball and I expect nothing less during this event. Victor Wembanyama is an absolute alien and is very skilled for being 7 foot 5 inches. I think the combination between these two will make a perfect match to take home the Skills Challenge back to San Antonio.
AT&T Slam Dunk Contest
Vincent’s Pick: Mac McClung
Though this event doesn’t quite perform to the standard many fans want, crazy dunks are pulled out year after year. Mac McClung is defending his crown, after winning consecutive contests. He has been a high flyer for many years, showcasing his slams in high school, college, G-League and NBA.
Reece’s Pick: Mac McClung
The Dunk contest has turned into a snooze fest the past several years. Every year fans are looking back and asking for Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon to come revive the contest. With that being said, McClung has been consistent when it comes to the contest. Mac McClung will remain on the throne and will win for the third straight year.
Starry 3-Point Contest
Vincent’s Pick: Buddy Hield
The final event of the night sees eight of the sharpest shooters firing shots from around the arc. As the balls are pulled off the rack, emulating a catch-and-shoot three-pointer, who better than one of the best at that style of shot, Buddy Hield? Hield has been a knockdown shooter since breaking into the NBA and gets the advantage of shooting on his own floor, serving as a supporting scorer for the hosting Warriors.
Reece’s Pick: Damian Lillard
The 3-Point Contest is always in the air, you never know who’s going to show up and show out. The one guy who I have total faith in is Damian Lillard. Lillard has proven himself by taking home the crown in both 2023 and 2024. When you think of all-time great three-point shooters, Dame is always in that discussion. I believe Damian Lillard is going to secure the three-peat and bring home the trophy one more time.
Sunday Night
74th NBA All-Star Game
Vincent’s Pick: Team Chuck
In the concluding event, the newly formatted All-Star Game sees a four-team tournament, between three drafted teams from the analysts from “Inside the NBA,” and former NBA greats, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, as well as the winner of the Gastrol Rising Stars Challenge. Barkley drafted a nearly perfect team, with Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being the three best players on the roster, now with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined with an injury. The three space the floor well, with Karl-Anthony Towns, Alperen Sengun, Trae Young, Pascal Siakim and Mitchell keeping the floor wide for everyone to operate with leisure.
All-Star Game MVP: Victor Wembanyama
Reece’s Pick: Team Shaq
Last but not least, The NBA All-Star Game. When I look at the three rosters that were constructed by the NBA greats, Shaq, Kenny and Chuck there’s one team that sticks out to me. That’s the OGs formed by Shaq. This roster consists of Lebron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, the list goes on. This roster is loaded with experienced and very talented players that are the Superstars of my generation.
All-Star Game MVP: Steph Curry
All stats are from ESPN as of Feb. 12
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