All-Star 2009

All-Star Weekend is back again, and its time to make some last minute predictions:

Rookie Challenge: We all know this is all about Al Thorton vs. Eric Gordon. Nobody cares about Durant vs. Oden, right? The sophomores have easily won the last six years, but this year isn't going to be easy. Kevin Durant is their only serious offensive beast, and offense is all that really matters in these games. The team of Derrick Rose, and OJ Mayo is looking pretty good right now. Prediction: Rookies in an upset.

Shooting Stars: The most boring of competitions of the weekend really comes down to who can make the half-court shot first. The defending winners the Spurs are back, but no team has repeated in this game. Of the rest, I'm going for the hometown team. Prediction: Suns

Skills Challenge: Not as great a group as previous years (see Dwayne Wade vs. Lebron vs.Kobe, etc). The winner has to show the best balance of passing, speed and shooting ability. Derrick Rose winning would be super impressive, but the jump shot will give him trouble. Prediction: Tony Parker.

Three-Point Shootout: My favorite of the competitions, the three-point contest features three time winner Jason Kapono against a relatively weak field. His main competition should come from Rashard Lewis, especially from the corners. That's not enough. Prediction: Jason Kapono (again).

Slam Dunk Contest: The most anticipated contest of the night includes two previous winners, little Nate Robinson and Superman Dwight Howard. Robinson should never have won in the first place, and Howard could be the most entertaining player in the NBA. JR Smith is the sleeper in the contest, but lacked creativity last time he was here. Prediction: Superman!!!

2009 All-Star Game: Shaq is back! This years teams show a nice mix of young and veteran players, and will be entertaining as always. I don't care how good Kobe is, there is no way a team with Lebron, Wade, and Superman can lose. Winner: East MVP: Dwayne Wade.