NBA history will be made from February 16 to February 18, 2007 as the NBA will have its All-Star Game and its various events in the NBA franchise-less city of Las Vegas, Nevada. This is the first time an NBA All-Star game is being held in a non-NBA city.
However, it could be a precursor of things, such as a franchise, to come. But, that's simply speculation. What isn't speculation is that the bright lights of Sin City fits the glamor and excitement of the NBA's All-Star Weekend.
Here's what's going down during these historic days in the NBA.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2007
McDonald's NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Presented by 2K Sports
Televised on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET
You might have heard the saying that athletes want to be actors and actors want to be athletes, well, this weekend the actors win out. Personalities from movies, television, and stage, as well as musicians take the court to show that they have skills other than memorizing lines or crying on queue. See which celebrities will show that they got game.
T-Mobile Rookie Challenge
Televised on TNT at 9 p.m. ET
It's been rough on the NBA rookies recently as the second-year players have strung a string of wins the past four years in a row. In this game, you'll get to preview some of the NBA's best young players. And, if history repeats itself again, you'll see them in the big show, the All-Star game, soon enough. Who could those players be? Check the rosters for the next possible All-Star in future seasons.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2007
NOTE: All of the following events will be televised on TNT beginning at 8 p.m. ET
Playstation Skills Challenge
The fundamentals of basketball - dribbling, shooting, and passing - go down during this competition, but it's not as basic as it sounds. The participants must successfully dribble around obstacles, hit several shots from the perimeter, and throw perfect bounce and chest passes through a hoop. And they're timed. Whoever is the fastest wins!
Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout Contest
This competition is all about getting a rhythm on the long-range stroke. Which shooters from behind the three-point line will get their groove on and sink the most balls from downtown? You'll have to tune in and keep your eye on the ball as it either splashes through the net or clangs off the rim. And, finally, two words: Money. Ball. Whoever makes the most of these has a real chance to win.
Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
Thanks to Nate Robinson, last year's slam champ, a new rule will be implemented this year. This year's dunkers will have two minutes to complete a dunk after receiving the ball from the referee. If they haven't dunked after that time, they will have only have two chances to do so.
Either way, it's always exciting to see a player rise up and bring the ball down hard through the rim. But, it'll be even tougher this year as five former slam dunk champions will be judging this year's contest - legends, Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, and current players, Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter. If this cast of judges doesn't have the competitors amped to turn it up a notch, I don't know what will. It should be a good one.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2007
2007 NBA All-Star Game
Televised on TNT at 8:30 p.m. ET
See which NBA players will be in the spotlight in 2007's NBA All-Star game. It's East versus West in the battle of the NBA Conferences and it all goes down in Las Vegas, Nevada AKA Sin City. So, which NBA All-Stars will give in to the temptation of standing out and help their team win? Here are the potential players who could shine brighter than the Vegas Strip.
