First Event: Haier Shooting Stars
Contestants:
Los Angeles- Pau Gasol (Lakers), Tina Thompson (Sparks), Rick Fox (Legend)
Atlanta- Al Horford (Hawks), Coco Miller (Dream), Steve Smith (Legend)
Chicago- Taj Gibson (Bulls), Catherin Kaayveld (Sky), Steve Kerr (Legend)
Texas- Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks), Roneeka Hodges (Silver Stars), Kenny Smith (Legend)
The Los Angeles team has the home-court advantage; however, team Dallas is prepared to defend its title from last year.
Second Event: Taco Bell Skills Challenge
Contestants:
Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
John Wall (Washington Wizards)
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
The Skills Challenge is a complex obstacle course for the league’s best point guards; the course involves shooting, passing and dribbling. Although all these guards are quick with the ball and adept passers, the key to winning the contest is hitting the jump-shot. With that in mind, Chris Paul should prevail in this event.
Third Event: Foot Locker 3-Point Shootout
Contestants:
Ray Allen (Boston Celtics)
Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics)
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Daniel Gibson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
James Jones (Miami Heat)
Dorell Wright (Golden State Warriors)
The 3-Point shootout is a very exciting event and the world’s greatest shooters put their skills in the ultimate test. Although Paul Pierce is the defending champion, Ray Allen is having an historic shooting season and is the favorite coming in. However, don’t underestimate the sharpshooter Dorell Wright and prolific scorer Kevin Durant.
Fourth Event: Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
Contestants:
Demar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors)
Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder)
JaVale McGee (Washington Wizards)
This 2011 Dunk Contest has been hyped up and many people are excepting to see amazing feats and dunks. Every dunker was assisted by an NBA player and has vowed to show the fans something they have never seen before. Blake Griffin is clearly the favorite coming into the contest, but McGee will definitely challenge the home-town player. Although the 2010 Dunk Contest was very disappointing, this year’s event will surely be entertaining.
