It was a pretty outstanding All-Star Weekend so far, especially with such an incredible display by Dwight Howard in the Dunk Contest. Some random thoughts:First, from the Rookie Challenge:
- Does Kevin Durant ever pass the ball?
- Sean Williams has just awesome athleticism. Too bad he didn't have his head in the right place during college. But he is just a freak of nature. He never stopped moving, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds in under 19 minutes.
- I enjoyed seeing the throwback running floater from Juan Carlos Navarro.
- Al Horford is easily the most polished rookie. Just a very efficient player. It'll be interesting to see what his numbers look like now that Atlanta has brought a reputable PG to town (an excellent deal by Billy Knight? This is not your father's NBA!)
- Mike Conley struggled a little bit, and he's got to learn to get his own shot once in a while, but I still see him as a poor man's Chris Paul.
- Jordan Farmar is really good. I mean, I knew he was good, but he is better than I thought.
Anyway, time to move onto Saturday night...
- This is just a general suggestion, but please, never give Magic Johnson a microphone! The man could not be any more boring and obvious.
- Obviously, Dwight Howard was awesome. In my mind, the tap with the left hand was the best dunk of the night. Holy cow.
- I liked Rashad McCants, sitting on top of the ladder, obviously a little nervous, crossing himself.
- Best conversation of the night (slightly paraphrased):
Kevin Harlan: Did you guys see what Daniel Gibson did last night?
Kevin Smith: Yes Kevin, we called the game. Thanks for watching.
Charles Barkley: Honestly, I don't understand how you get a paycheck.
What caught your eye?