Stoop Sports’ analysts Jason Quint, David Vertsberger, and Niko Regalbuto make predictions for the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Who will win the Shooting Stars challenge?
Jason Quint- The Western conference is going to run away with this thing. Big Shot Bob, Maya Moore! Come on now, this one won’t be close.
David Vertsberger- Team Westbrook. I have no analysis beyond I know who Maya Moore is and Robert Horry is a boss.
Niko Regalbuto- I’m taking the East because they have Muggsy Bogues. At 5’3″, he played in the NBA at the same height as Kevin Hart. Let that one sink in.
Who will win the Skills challenge?
Jason- Don’t sleep on Damian Lillard here but I’m going to have to go with my guy Jrue Holiday. I think his ball-handling and passing skills are extremely underrated and he should be able to cruise through the course with relative ease
David- I’m going to go with Jeff Teague. I’ve loved what I’ve seen from him this year. He’s always been solid passing and dribbling. And his range has extended, turning him into a very viable jump-shooter. He’s starting for the Atlanta Hawks, so don’t expect his name to be mentioned much, but I’m sure he’ll impress on Saturday night.
Niko- Tough choice between Tony Parker and Damian Lillard, but I’m thinking the latter. Lillard’s passing ability goes somewhat under the radar because he’s such a good scorer, but he’ll take this challenge home.
Who will win the three-point contest?
Jason- Quick shoutout to Paul George who I believe will become just the fourth player ever to participate in a 3-point shootout and dunk contest (Ray Allen, Bob Sura, Brent Barry). However, I think it’s Steph Curry who comes out and wins with a remarkable score of 26 on the final rack. Anderson and Novak finish two and three.
David- Novakaine, Steve Novak. Simply because the only thing he can do is shoot. He literally possesses no other basketball skill. So who else but him? 6’10″, sweet stroke, he’s getting the win here.
Niko- Stephen Curry is the best shooter in the NBA, but something is inclining me to say Kyrie Irving. This kid is absolutely spectacular, and at just 20 years old I believe he is a top-5 point guard in the NBA. (Side Note: Somewhat unrelated, but look what he did to Brandon Knight last night). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7-o2uwqi4Q)
Who will win the dunk contest?
Jason- James White already won.
David- I’m going to have to think about this o- James White. This dunk contest is primed to be a helluva showcase, with highflyers like Gerald Green, Terrence Ross, and Jeremy Evans. However, White is in a complete league of his own. Just YouTube it honestly. There’s nothing for me to even say. This dude can fly.
Niko- How can you not say Flight White. Seriously there’s a video somewhere on youtube of him getting his chin above the rim. Gerald Green has some serious hops as well, and Terrence Ross can throw it down, so it has potential to actually be entertaining (unlike last year).
Who will win the all-star game?
Jason- I have to go with the East for a couple of reasons. First of all, Lebron wants MVP and let’s be real, he’ll get MVP. Second, the East is full of young, hungry players like George and Joakim Noah who aren’t capable of playing less than 100%. Finally, bad karma will come to the West for overlooking Marc Gasol as an all-star.
David- The West because Coach Pop. His coaching will lead Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and co. to victory. Or at least to a ton of highlights. Either one works.
Niko- I can’t choose the East. I’m mad at Spoelstra for choosing to replace Rondo in the starting lineup with Bosh instead of Kyrie. If Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin or Kobe don’t make him pay, karma will.
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