BUCKETS All-Star 2013 Book by BUCKETS Magazine

NBA All-Star BookleT

February 2013

PROLOGUE. In keeping with the way many believe the modern game is now being played and developed, the 2013 All-Star ballot was void, for the first time, of a strict ‘center’ option. Instead, fans were asked to vote for three “front court” players (in addition to the standard issue of two guards). Injuries (or regression) to Kevin Love, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Steve Nash opened the door (out West) for a few familiar returnees while Eastern Conference absentees Amar’e Stoudemire, Derrick Rose, Anderson Varejao and Andrew Bynum allowed for a fresh All-Star group in the Blue. That led to Tyson Chandler (Knicks), Jrue Holiday (Sixers), Paul George (Pacers), Joakim Noah (Bulls), Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers) and host-town hero James Harden (Rockets) all receiving invites to play showcase ball in Houston. David West, Paul Pierce and Brook Lopez were the biggest names passed over for a few elite defenders and a couple of impressive young PGs. Out West, it went the other way for Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol who both lost the vote to offensive minded bigs while Steph Curry was simply squeezed out by Kobe Bryant’s global popularity, Chris Paul’s playmaking, Russell Westbrook’s dynamism, James Harden’s bearded excellence and Tony Parker’s winning ways. When you step back and look at the West’s guards like that, Curry is certainly deserving of being talked about as a ‘top ten talent’ but he’s clearly not in the top five, not yet, and there are usually only five All-Star guard spots, at best (especially given how many quality bigs play in the West, there’s often little space to overload with outside talents). The funny things about ‘snubs’ is, they’re reflective. If you’re playing so well that you simply can’t be left off the team (eg: Harden, Parker, etc.) that’s a different position than playing well enough to be in the conversation for consideration. Additional exclusions (who were never really taken seriously): Jamal Crawford, Rudy Gay, Al Jefferson, Brandon Jennings, Josh Smith and Deron Williams. In the end, we should all be thankful there were 15 (or so) deserving players to fill out the 12 roster spots, rather than 10 Conference All-Stars and a little filler (Tyrone Hill anyone?). Then, during a late January double-overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks (in which the Celtics surrendered a 27-point a lead), the league’s leading set-up artist, Rajon Rondo, tore his right ACL. The initial report started Rondo had hyperextended his knee but closer examination showed the ACL tear. After averaging 13.7 points, 5.6 boards and 11.7 assists -- and tallying five triple-doubles thru 38 games -Rondo was forced to by-pass Houston. Brook Lopez was then added in his place (courtesy of David Stern, who made his final All-Star replacement pick). Oh, and on the same day the 2013 All-Star ‘reserves’ were announced, the New Orleans Hornets officially announced they’ll be changing their nickname to ‘Pelicans’.

Built on aerodynamics AND oil, America’s fourth largest city, WHICH JUST SO HAPPENS TO HAVE A rich basketball history, played host to the NBA’s dinner party for a third time in early 2013. The following is A COLLECTION OF SIGHTS, MOMENTS, FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS THAT transpired DURING OUR 72 hours of pure basketball bliss...

PROLOGUE

25 YEARS OF FIRST TIMERS. With All-Star 2013 featuring ten players who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lace-up last year in Orlando, we felt it fitting to look back at all the first-time participants from the past 25 years. Think of this as the ultimate NBA trivia game (see if your friends can guess, without looking, when each player was added to the All-Star honour roll)...

As the mid-season showcase made its way to Chicago for All-Star 1988, Danny Ainge, Brad Daugherty, James Donaldson, Fat Lever, Karl Malone, Xavier McDaniel and Doc Rivers all received their first invitations... The following year, Houston’s first opportunity to host the NBA’s dinner party in 1989 saw five new faces out West with Kevin Duckworth, Mark Eaton, Dale Ellis, John Stockton and Chris Mullin all seated at the VIP table. And for the East, a pair of Mark’s, Jackson and Price, sat with the ‘Blue’ elite... In Miami for the 1990 version, Joe Dumars, A.C. Green, Kevin Johnson, Reggie Miller, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and Dennis Rodman all earned their first (of many) mid-season call-up(s)... With the contest moving to Charlotte in 1991, gunners Ricky Pierce and Hersey Hawkins were sent invitations to show-off their accuracy while Point Guard’s Terry Porter and Tim Hardaway were both welcomed to the Western Conference party... With Magic Johnson making a welcomed return in 1992, Phil Jackson and Don Nelson were respectively invited to play All-Star coach’s for the first time. Joining their playing rosters in Orlando were speedster Michael Adams, muscle-man Kevin Willis, the late Reggie Lewis, marksman Jeff Hornacek, bomber Dan Majerle, traffic light Dikembe Mutombo and skilled forward Otis Thorpe... The Salt Lake City edition in 1993 helped Larry Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal embarked on their All-Star career’s (both were voted in as “starters”) while Detlef Schrempf, Shawn Kemp, Danny Manning, Sean Elliott and Mitch Richmond all made their debuts in what was a memorable showcase... In 1994, the Minnesota winter couldn’t cool the need to honour a series of Eastern Conference first-timers as standouts Mookie Blaylock, Kenny Anderson, Derrick Coleman, B.J Armstrong, Horace Grant, Alonzo Mourning and John Starks helped to set a new game-high and Conference mark for newbie All-Stars (7). Not surprisingly, the additional call-ups of Gary Payton, Cliff Robinson and Latrell Sprewell out West meant 1994 set a new high for most debutants (10)... The 1995 showpiece in Phoenix gave Vin Baker, Dana Barros, Cedric Ceballos, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill and Tyrone Hill the platform to become household names outside of their respective city limits... That was encored by San Antonio in 1996, an event which welcomed Terrell Brandon, Juwan Howard, Jason Kidd and Glen Rice to the main stage (in ultra ugly uniforms)... In 1997, as the NBA celebrated it’s 50th season,

Cleveland, Ohio played host to Kevin Garnett, Chris Gatling, Tom Gugliotta, Eddie Jones, Chris Webber and Christian Laettner, all of whom entered the All-Star arena for the first time... The 1998 showing in New York City gave Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Steve Smith, Rik Smits, Nick Van Exel, Antoine Walker and bigman Jayson Williams a chance to shine on the biggest nonFinals stage... Sadly, the 1999 event was cancelled soon after the regular season had been shortened because of the ongoing Lockout... Returning with a boom in 2000, highlight makers and notable, overdue veterans like Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Dale Davis, Michael Finley, Allan Houston, Allen Iverson and Glenn Robinson all helped to make the Oakland showing a major one but it was call-ups for the former University of North Carolina running mates (and co-1995 Draftees), Jerry Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace that offered the most satisfying of subplots / selections... With the event happening under the watchful eye of The White House in 2001, Antonio Davis, Vlade Divac, Stephon Marbury, Anthony Mason, Antonio McDyess, Tracy McGrady and Theo Ratliff were all asked to participate with Marbury instrumental in the East’s gigantic comeback... The 2002, Philadelphia hosted event included a diverse collection of noteworthy figures: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Steve Francis, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Jermaine O’Neal, Paul Pierce, Peja Stojakovic and Wally Szczerbiak which surpassed ‘94 for the most first-timers... In Atlanta for the 2003 Weekend, Jamal Mashburn became the first All-Star for the Hornets since the franchise relocated to New Orleans. He was joined by Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Shawn Marion, Brad Miller, Ben Wallace and rookie Yao Ming (who received the popular vote). The double-overtime thriller was also Michael Jordan’s last All-Star appearance -- eight days prior to his 40th birthday... In 2004, several players made their first (and only) All-Star appearance on the Los Angeles hardwood with Sam Cassell, Ron Artest (aka Metta World Peace), Andrei Kirilenko, Michael Redd, Jamaal Magloire and Kenyon Martin all having memorable but momentary season’s of excellence... With the 2005 showcase elevating in Denver, marquee invitees, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade; a pair of Wizards (Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison); a rising Sun (Amar’e Stoudemire); sniper Rashard Lewis and super sub Manu Ginobili all saw their names added to the honour roll... In 2006, Houston’s second

hosting, Chauncey Billups, Chris Bosh and Richard Hamilton made their respective debuts while internationalists Tony Parker and Pau Gasol joined the West’s elite... Visiting Sin City for the first time in 2007, that wild AllStar Weekend gave Dwight Howard, Caron Butler and Joe Johnson (Jason Kidd’s replacement) their first action as ‘Blue’ titans. For the West, Jazz teammates Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur were joined by 2003 Draft mates Carmelo Anthony (who was long overdue) and Josh Howard. Needless to say, these seven call-ups all enjoyed a weekend they’ll never forget... Helping the rebuilding effort in New Orleans, 2008 first-timers Chris Paul and David West were fittingly honoured while Portland’s Brandon Roy turned his sophomore season into a warning shot... The lackluster 2009 showcase in Phoenix, Arizona featured four newbies with Devin Harris, Jameer Nelson, Danny Granger and replacement Mo Williams all earning their spots as representatives of the East (and it’s not all that surprising in hindsight that they got their butts kicked by the bigger, better boys from out West)... Inside Cowboys Stadium, nine first timers clocked time with Dallas 2010, including native Deron Williams, who was joined by Kevin Durant, Zach Randolph and late call-up, Chris Kaman. For the East, Rajon Rondo, Gerald Wallace, Derrick Rose, Al Horford and replacement big, David Lee (over the more deserving Andrew Bogut) all showcased their skills in front of the largest indoor hoops crowd ever... In 2011, the City of Angels proudly welcomed hometown high-flyer Blake Griffin, who, despite being a rookie, was simply too good leave off the ‘reserves’ list. In keeping with the City theme, UCLA roommates, Russell Westbrook and replacement big Kevin Love both received their first invitations... The 2012 edition, held in Orlando, featured six first timers (three in each Conference) as Andrew Bynum, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol represented the West while Luol Deng, Andre Iguodala and Roy Hibbert wore Eastern Blue... Which finally brings us to Houston, 2013. This year’s crop of seven debutants is considerable, with a Rookie of the Year (Kyrie Irving), the reigning Defensive Player of the Year (Tyson Chandler), a replacement killer (Paul George), a traded luxury apartment complex (James Harden), the all-heart hardware salesman (Joakim Noah) and a no quit playmaker (Jrue Holiday) earned their call-ups. And there you have it, 25 years of names written into the All-Star history book.

CONTENTS. /NBA @NBA

Words: Brad Graham (unless otherwise specified).

-- -- -- -- -01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10. 11.

The Line-Ups. Snapshots. Dunk Contest. Takeaways. Bank Shot. The Perfect 50. Heaviest Is The Head... Class of 2013. Sneakistry. Honour Roll. Apparel. Epilogue.

Images: Christian Trojan (unless otherwise specified).

-- -- -- -- -On the Cover... (Clockwise from top) Anthony Davis. Rising Stars Media Availability. Kyrie Irving. All-Star Media Availability. Russell Westbrook + Kevin Durant. All-Star Practice. Terrence Ross. Slam Dunk Champion (Image courtesy of the NBA / Getty) James Harden. All-Star Media Availability. Dwyane Wade. Li-Ning ‘Way of Wade’ Launch (Image by Bob Metelus ) LeBron James + Luol Deng. All-Star Practice. Kobe Bryant. All-Star Sunday Post Game ‘Mixed Zone’ Availability.

-- -- -- -- --

Special thanks to all the people at the NBA who helped throughout the weekend, all your efforts are greatly appreciated. Extra special thanks to the following people... Bobby Ciafardini, Burton Chawla, Jorge Gomez, Scoop Jackson, Trey Kirby, Zach Lowe, Tas Melas, Ben Osborne Mark Remme, Warren Shaw, Sean Sweeny, Warren Shaw, Lang Whitaker and of course, Jerry Stackhouse (thanks for giving up your Sunday morning).

-- -- -- -- --

The 62nd NBA All-Star Game was played at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013.

-- -- -- -- --

THE LINE-UPS. Friday.

Saturday.

BBVA Rising Stars Challenge.

Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

TEAM

PLAYER

YEAR

POS.

NBA TEAM

Chuck

Kenneth Faried

Soph.

Nuggets

Ricky Rubio

Soph.

T-Wolves

Isaiah Thomas

Soph.

Kings

Kevin Hart Real Husbands of Hollywood Ne-Yo R&B/pop star Nick Cannon Real Husbands of Hollywood

Nikola Vucevic

Soph.

Magic

Josh Hutcherson The Hunger Games

Brandon Knight

Soph.

Pistons

Trey Songz R&B Singer / Actor

Tristan Thompson

Soph.

Cavaliers

Kawhi Leonard

Soph.

Spurs

Anthony Davis

Rookie

Hornets

Bradley Beal

Rookie

Wizards

Alexey Shved

Rookie

T-Wolves

Usain Bolt Olympic Sprinter Arne Duncan Secretary of Education Terrence Jenkins E! News, Anchor Common Rapper / Actor John Schriffen ABC News Correspondent Ryen Russillo ESPN Host

Shaq

Kyrie Irving

Soph.

Cavaliers

Chandler Parsons

Soph.

Rockets

Klay Thompson

Soph.

Warriors

Kemba Walker

Soph.

Bobcats

Damian Lillard

Rookie

Blazers

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Rookie

Bobcats

Dion Waiters

Rookie

Cavaliers

Tyler Zeller

Rookie

Cavaliers

Harrison Barnes

Rookie

Warriors

Andrew Nicholson

Rookie

Magic

Andre Drummond

Rookie

Pistons

Dikembe Mutombo eight-time NBA All-Star Clyde Drexler ten-time NBA All-Star Sean Elliott two-time NBA All-Star Bruce Bowen NBA legend Tamika Catchings Indiana Fever -- WNBA Maya Moore Minnesota Lynx -- WNBA West Coach: James Harden East Coach: Russell Westbrook Assistants: Queen Latifah (Actress) Samantha Harris (TV Host)

LINE-UPS.

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night. Dwyane Wade (Heat)

CAPTAINS

Chris Paul (Clippers)

SEARS SHOOTING STARS Team HARDEN Team BOSH James Harden, Sam Cassell, Tina Thompson Chris Bosh, Dominique Wilkins, Swin Cash Team WESTBROOK Team LOPEZ Russell Westbrook, Robert Horry, Maya Moore Brook Lopez, Muggsy Bogues, Tamika Catchings

Jrue Holiday (76ers) Brandon Knight (Pistons) Jeff Teague (Hawks)

TACO BELL SKILLS CHALLENGE Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers) Jeremy Lin (Rockets) Tony Parker (Spurs)

FOOT LOCKER THREE-POINT CONTEST Steve Novak (Knicks) Ryan Anderson (Hornets) Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers) Matt Bonner (Spurs) Paul George (Pacers) Stephen Curry (Warriors)

James White (Knicks) Gerald Green (Pacers) Terrence Ross (Raptors)

SPRITE SLAM DUNK

Jeremy Evans (Jazz) Eric Bledsoe (Clippers) Kenneth Faried (Nuggets)

OTHER EVENTS... NBA Development League All-Star Game. NBA All-Star Jam Session (at the George R. Brown Convention Center).

THE LINE-UPS.

ALL-STAR SUNDAY.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Starters. Frontcourt.

Kevin Garnett.

Boston Celtics (553,222). 15th With Andrew Bynum (a starter in 2012) out due to injury and with his hair not eligible, Boston difference maker, Kevin Garnett beat Chris Bosh (who desperately took to Twitter to campaign in the final days of balloting) by roughly 25,000 votes. Thanks to the fans (and with little choice, despite their not being a need for a ‘C’), K.G tied Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal for the second most all-time nods with his 15th selection. Garnett proclaimed it to be his final All-Star selection but don’t count on that being true if K.G plays at the same clip again next season.

Carmelo Anthony.

New York Knicks (1,460,950). 6th The shift to part-time Power Forward has done wonders for Melo who remains a favourite under the NYC microscope. Tying a franchise record with nine made triples during his 42 point outing (that included the go-ahead bucket with 12.5 seconds to play) against Atlanta, Anthony has been on a sugar-high since returning from his memorable summer in London (that, or this season’s New York uniforms are coated in Super Mario mushrooms, giving everyone a boost). Melo has been a worthy headliner in the Big Apple with the only wrinkle courtesy of K.G who snacked on his favourite breakfast cereal.

LeBron James.

Miami Heat (1,583,646). 9th King James was already above everything and everyone (since the season started with only Kevin Durant offering him any real challenge but his run of 60% shooting nights, that masterful 398-7-3 night in Los Angeles, the countless other numerical marks and his cruise control disguising a measured approach means he’s on track to move into ‘Chuck Norris’ territory.

Starters. Backcourt.

Dwyane Wade.

Miami Heat (1,052,310). 9th The greatest side-kick since fries were added to any meal, Wade has been effective in every climate and continues to catch everyone sleeping. Although he happily shares the podium with James, everyone (who knows basketball) is aware that Wade remains a top-ten talent.

Rajon Rondo.

Boston Celtics (924,180). 4th Unable to participate because of a season-ending ACL injury, Rondo continues to be his generation’s finest set-up artist. With D-Rose out, Rondo became his Conference’s default favourite. The history books will remember 2013 as the year Rondo was one of the most popular players in pro hoop -- his official NBA store jersey sales backing up the claim. Rondo was later replaced by Brook Lopez (a selection made by Commissioner David Stern).

Reserves.

C. Tyson Chandler. New York Knicks. 1st It might’ve taken him a dozen season’s (more than half of which were productive) and a Defensive Player of the Year trophy but the New York anchor finally received his due. Posting 11.9 points with 10.6 boards -- one of just nine pros averaging a double-double -- T.C hs helped the Knicks with his 70.6 true shooting percentage).

F. Chris Bosh. Miami Heat. 8th With Bosh injected into the starting unit, the defending Champion Heat became the first team since the 1990 Los Angeles Lakers (Magic Johnson, James Worthy and A.C. Green) to have three teammates open proceedings. And really, who could complain? A fringe selection to fans, the NBA’s coaches wanted him over Brook Lopez. That speaks volumes.

F. Luol Deng. Chicago Bulls. 2nd With D-Rose out, Deng responded to the team’s offensive call by carrying the scoring load every other night. He continues to shine as one the best lockdown players and might still be underrated, despite dual selections.

G. Jrue Holiday. Philadelphia 76ers. 1st Averaging 19-4-9 while shooting 46% from the floor, Holiday has been sensational from the tip and his call-up is a worthy ode to his ability to carry the Sixers night in and night out. While Andrew Bynum rates highly with bloggers because of his hairstyles and tenpin bowling antics, Holiday rates highly because only Russell Westbrook averages better more points while handing out at least eight assists per. That’s an All-Star if ever there was one. At 22, he became the youngest All-Star in Philly history and there’s reason to believe he’ll soon become the franchise’s youngest twotime All-Star as well.

G. Kyrie Irving. Cleveland Cavaliers. 1st For those who didn’t see his incredible 41-5-5 showing in Madison Square Garden, watch the reply because that contest underlines why, in just his second NBA season, the former Duke playmaker is already among the very best. The sixth-youngest player ever selected (20 years and 331 days), the reigning Rookie of the Year is having an outstanding individual season (even though his team sits below .500).

Wildcards.

C. Joakim Noah. Chicago Bulls. 1st Averaging career highs in points (12.1), rebounds (11.3) and assists (4.2 -- league leader among C’s) Noah is more than just an energetic and likeable teammate. The centrepiece for the Bulls’ stingy D, Noah has helped them rank third in defensive efficiency. More so, only LeBron has recorded more 10-10-5 games than Noah. Even among the best, Noah looks to be different.

G / F. Paul George. Indiana Pacers. 1st. A surprising call-up, given how small a window he had to put it all together, George earned his spot ahead of schedule by carrying the offensive load with Danny Granger hurt. His 17.4 point per might’ve paced Indiana but it has been his incredible defensive work that continues to impress (and make him an electrifying possibility).

THE LINE-UPS.

ALL-STAR SUNDAY.

WESTERN CONFERENCE Starters. Frontcourt.

Dwight Howard.

Los Angeles Lakers (922,072). 7th What shoulder injury? Howard started, played and eventually dunked his way through his All-Star obligations. One of the favourites leading into and during the media availability, Howard was, once again, centre of attention.

Blake Griffin.

Los Angeles Clippers (863,832). 2nd Mr. Dunk-o-matic was born for All-Star competition while his stellar regular season play ensured he was invited. It’s not hard to see why Griffin continues to be a fan favourite when you factor in his tandem play with Chris Paul. Already the best finisher in basketball, this high-flyer is also working on becoming the NBA’s standout Power Forward.

Kevin Durant.

Oklahoma City Thunder (1,504,047). 4th The Conference’s second leading vote getter could’ve amassed a Top Ten Individual Performances countdown all by himself based on the way he performed during the season’s first 41 games. When talking about his top showings, K.D’s masterful 41 point, 13 rebound domination of the Atlanta Hawks, along with his 42-8-5 line against the Los Angeles Lakers can only be silver medals, at best. His gold? A coin flip between his first career triple-double (25 points, 13 rebounds and

ten assists during a visit to San Francisco (November 18, 2012) or his 52 point outing against Dallas where he connected on all 21 of his free-three attempts -- the most makes without a miss since fellow S.F dynamo, Dominique Wilkins hit 22 from 22 back in the late 80s. Oh yeah, and he’s chasing 50-40-90 shooting percentage. Whatever.

Starters. Backcourt.

Kobe Bryant.

Los Angeles Lakers (1,591,437). 15th Bryant, who was asked to start his NBA-record 15th consecutive All-Star game while collecting the most votes (edging James by about 7,800). After all this time, fans still treat Bryant like an open fire in winter.

Chris Paul.

Los Angeles Lakers (929,155). 6th Incredible from the jump of the 2012-13 season, CP3 has helped the Clippers to become one the top teams in the land. He has made his case for M.V.P and regardles of whether or not he wins that award, everyone (well, almost) agrees that he’s the top player for his position (and given the depth of talent on offer, that’s quite an honour).

Reserves.

C. Tim Duncan. San Antonio Spurs. 14th Again, the Spurs are on pace to win at least 50 games, thanks in large to the play of Timmy D. In short: Duncan remains a class above.

F. Zach Randolph. Memphis Grizzlies. 2nd The league leader in double-doubles (at the break), Z-Bo continually beats up inferior frontlines. On December 4, 2012, against Phoenix, Z-Bo became the first player since Moses Malone in 1985 to tally at least 38 points and 22 boards (with zero assists). It was the fourth 30-20 game of his career.

F. David Lee. Golden State Warriers. 2nd Lee’s appearance gave the Warriors their first All-Star since Latrell

Sprewell in ‘97 and despite his poor D and teammate Steph Curry dropping 21ppg -- good enough for eighth best in the NBA -- Lee was given the credit for Mark Jackson’s squad overachieving.

G. James Harden. Houston Rockets. 1st Averaging a career-high best 25.9 points per is more than enough to receive a call up. After being dealt by Sam Presti, just days before the 2012-13 season commenced, Harden took off and never looked back. His initial scoring outburst was historically good and any questions about his ability to carry a team offensively (or run with Jeremy Lin) was quickly put to bed.

G. Russell Westbrook. Oklahoma City Thunder. 3rd Love him or hate him, the springy guard continues to shine as one of the best players in the NBA. He could easily lead another team but with K.D, he forms half of the best offensive duo since Kobe and Shaq.

Wildcards.

F. LaMarcus Aldridge. Portland Trail Blazers. 2nd Aldridge was a surprise ‘Reserve’ pick because many NBA followers believe Memphis’ Marc Gasol was more deserving player based on his two-way play (over Aldridge’s offensive specialist). Arguments were even made that rookie PG, Damian Lillard had been a larger reason for the success Portland was enjoying but as Sean Highkin of Portland Roundball Society wrote on ESPN, “None of the three top reserve Power Forward candidates (Aldridge, Randolph and David Lee) are surprises, per se, but the fact that all three got in at the expense of the best center in the West, Marc Gasol, was unexpected.”

G. Tony Parker. San Antonio Spurs. 5th One triple-double from 2012-13 standouts: Tony Parker @ Houston (December 10, 2012). Hitting 27-12-12 in overtime against the Rockets, Popovich went to his second best crunch-time killer time and again. Parker continues to hide in plain sight but he’s okay with that, the frenchman knows his peers fear his game.

SNAPSHOTS.

DUNK CONTEST. No other sport can match or replicate the Slam Dunk contest. Major League Baseball’s home-run derby doesn’t come close. The NHL’s slapshot competition is closer to the three-point shootout and the NFL (wisely) doesn’t bother trying to create its own series of sideshows. So unless you look towards the X-Games or Big-wave surfing, both of which require helpful man-made structures or natures finest to ensure lofty heights, there’s just no way to equal the creativity, physical prowess, athleticism and genuine awe that comes with the dunk contest (and subsequently, those slow motion replays).

THE BEST GET UP TO GET DOWN

There have been 28 NBA Dunk Contests from 1984 thru TO 2013 (the event was skipped in 1998, and THEN lost to the labor stoppage in 1999) with the five most famous champions being Michael Jordan (1987; 1988), Dominique Wilkins (1985; 1990), Vince Carter (2000), Spud Webb (1986) and Dwight Howard (2008). All five have at least one contest win to their name and all five remain forever linked to their aerial showmanship.

The best Dunk Contest’s often emerge because the competitive fire takes over, see Michael vs. ‘Nique for the best example of this. At the NBA level, with cameras there to remind all of the outcome, bragging rights ultimately matter (as do endorsement dollars). Variety in the 2013 field was meant to equal variety in execution. The hope being that a refurbished legacy would form, or at the very least, a standout moment would reveal itself. There have been countless classics by guys who didn’t win, think Terence Stansbury’s classic 360 Statue of Liberty, Jason Richardson’s under the leg, off the backboard stuff or Gerald Green’s cupcake dunk but more importantly, there are plenty of memorable slams by guys who did: Dee Brown’s iconic eye covered throwdown; Kenny Walker’s rock-the-cradle cuff dunk, Isaiah Rider’s East Bay Funk Dunk, Josh Smith’s accurate ode to Dominique and Blake Griffin’s 2011 Kia commercial. In 2013, with the internet offering more points of inspiration than ever before -- and specialist dunkers taking to the skies all over the globe -- there’s a ceiling for the NBA competition, or so we assume. Somewhat unfairly, 2013 also marked the 25th anniversary of Air Jordan’s triumph over ‘Nique at the ‘88 contest in Chicago. That showing remains the gold standard, that’s the epic finale everyone hopes can be duplicated and that’s the frozen moment we all associate with the contest. M.J is, after all, the icon we know him as today partially because of what he did that one night on his home court. Although the 2013 group lacked real house-hold name recognition, the opportunity (for someone) to go from zero to hero was there. Plus, as Ben Golliver noted, “What this group lacks in star power, it makes up for in everything else, boasting an excellent combination of new blood and old blood, power dunkers and smooth dunkers, and even a nice positional mix too.” Little know fact No. 1... Props and / or people used during the competition need to be pre-approved by the NBA’s Operations department. Little know fact No. 2... For the dignity of the players participating, the minimum score on offer is 30. Which translates to: mess up royally and you’ll get straight six’s from the judging panel. Gone are the days when a player could end with a score in the teens. As expected, the warm-up line featured a dizzying array of windmills, 360 degree dunks and countless off-the-glass crams. The 2013 judging panel was also assembled with a Houston twist: Clyde Drexler, Dikembe Mutombo, Hakeem Olajuwon, Rudy Tomjanovich, and Yao Ming. This year’s format: all three Eastern Conference players would dunk first, followed by the three from the West, with the second dunk order determined by the first dunk scores. If you simply made your dunks, you stood a good chance to advance.

DUNK CONTEST.

EAST. WEST. Gerald Green Eric Bledsoe Indiana Pacers. SF. 6-8. 210

Los Angeles Clippers. PG. 6-1. 195

Terrence Ross Jeremy Evans Toronto Raptors. SG. 6-6. 195

Utah Jazz . PF. 6-9 . 194

New York Knicks. SF. 6-7. 215

Denver Nuggets. PF. 6-8. 228

James White Kenneth Faried

Green topped everyone’s wish list (or came in second) prior to the 2013 field being announced. In short, he’s a dunking connoisseur and a threetime entrant who probably deserves to be a dual winner. Known as the man behind 2008’s Cupcake Dunk, arguably the most celebrated losing effort in the past 20 years, Green was hyped from the minute he rejoined the NBA as a member of the Nets... Ross, a silky smooth high-flyer from north of the boarder, quickly established himself (in limited playing time) as a leaper all bigmen should fear. He entered the 2013 event as a dark horse but quickly showed he’s a genuine dunk comp thoroughbred. However... most of the pre-contest talk centered around internet sensation turned NBA journeyman, James “Flight” White. From the moment he appeared as a High School highlight machine, White carved out a niche as the master of the foul-line dunk. It became his trademark. He also earned a reputation on the NCAA hardwood; then in the Turkish and Russian pro-leagues, respectively; then at the D-League showcase and most recently, on the practice courts of the New York Knicks -- his current employers. Along with Green, White has widely been considered the best dunker on the planet.

Any little man -- although his bulky frame and extraordinary wingspan make him anything but -- who can turn his ‘reserve’ role into a gravitydefying tour de force is worthy of participation. Finishing his share of alley-oops, put-backs in traffic and off the glass assists, Bledsoe was expected to bring a little Nate Robinson, a little Steve Francis and a little Robert Pack to the contest. He didn’t disappoint... Only Michael Jordan (1987; 1988), Jason Richardson (2002; 2003) and Nate Robinson (2009; 2010) have claimed back-to-back Dunk Contests wins, so the pressure was on Evans to be the first non-Guard to land two and counting. After his underwhelming win in Orlando, the seldom used forward was given every opportunity to keep his name up in lights... Expected to provide the ‘power’ element to the event, as one of the game’s best rim rattlers, Faried’s cult followed meant he had a distinct voting advantage over everyone, should he make the Final Round. Be it finishing an alley-oop, powering down the lane or putting home two in style on the break, the Manimal is well-liked as a dunking beast for a reason.

Jeremy Evans Utah Jazz . PF. 6-9 . 194

ROUND 1. DUNK 1 Judges: 47 Our Score: 43

ROUND 1. DUNK 2 Judges: 43 Our Score: 43

After leaping over a sitting Mark Eaton and flushing home an extended two-handed reverse, the dunks overall simplicity basically overshadowed the degree of difficulty.

Evans snuck into the Final Round by dunking two basketballs (with either hand) after adding the 360 degree spin. Bledsoe’s second dunk was the strongest of the West’s first six attempts but Evans rightfully advanced.

James White New York Knicks. SF. 6-7. 215

ROUND 1. DUNK 1 Judges: 45 Our Score: 42

ROUND 1. DUNK 2 Judges: 32 Our Score: 10

In his ‘Trey Tables Up’ piece, Chris Ryan labelled James White’s first attempt (with stewardesses and a flight-controller) as the best moment of All-Star Saturday. Had White been able to put it down first time out, he would’ve landed a 50. Instead, his replacement was solid but not memorable.

This is where the legend crash-landed. ‘Flight’ needed something spectacular but the slippery ball apparently prevented him from becoming immortal. He tried again and again but nothing worked. It was a sad day for someone who just wanted an opportunity to show-off his aerial exploits.

Kenneth Faried Denver Nuggets. PF. 6-8. 228

ROUND 1. DUNK 1 Judges: 39 Our Score: 35

ROUND 1. DUNK 2 Judges: 50 Our Score: 47

Either the timing or the soft finish are to blame here. It was a great confidence building dunk by throwing the ball off the glass and putting home a one-handed finish (after the 360) but it lacked the necessary ‘wow’ factor.

Faried went under his leg after he caught the toss to himself (off the glass) and powered home the one-handed finish. If he had opened with this attempt he probably would’ve gone to the Final Round, instead, he left everyone wondering, “why was he holding back?”

DUNK CONTEST.

Gerald Green Indiana Pacers. SF. 6-8. 210

ROUND 1. DUNK 1 Judges: 50 Our Score: 49

ROUND 1. DUNK 2 Judges: 32 Our Score: 25

Receiving an off-the-side-of-thebackboard pass from teammate Lance Stephenson, Green elevated, caught the ball, double-pumped it and then finished with a clean two handed power reserve. It was the perfect start and really set the tone.

After cutting down the net, Green attempted to land a double-dunk -- first with the right hand, then with his left, all while using one ball and remaining in the air (but he couldn’t get the timing right). Shame, this would’ve made him a dunk legend.

Eric Bledsoe Los Angeles Clippers. PG. 6-1. 195

ROUND 1. DUNK 1 Judges: 39 Our Score: 35

ROUND 1. DUNK 2 Judges: 50 Our Score: 50

After blowing his 360, under the leg attempt, Bledsoe simply threw down an easy looking, touch the backboard with the ball and strong reverse finish. If this were his first choice, the score would’ve been higher.

This was the perfect contest dunk. The little guy even exaggerated it to full effect. Off the high bounce, Bledsoe caught the ball with two hands, twisted his body around and completed the two-handed windmill for a strong, polished finish. This was the West’s best Round 1 rim rattler.

Terrence Ross Toronto Raptors. SG. 6-6. 195

ROUND 1. DUNK 1 Judges: 50 Our Score: 48

ROUND 1. DUNK 2 Judges: 49 Our Score: 45

Two points off for not landing the first attempt. Regardless, this was an incredibly difficult dunk to do and he made it look easy. Ross wrapped the ball around his back while in the air and finished off with a quality finish.

Playing it safe -- if such an option even exists in a high risk, high reward contest like this -- Ross caught the ball off bounce after throwing himself a soft lob and put home a hammer one-handed dunk after the 360 spin. It wasn’t his best offering but it was good enough to help him advance.

DUNK CONTEST.

THE FINAL. EVANS VS. ROSS

During the Final Round, fans were invited to send their votes in via Text Message, Tweeter, the All-Star App and NBA.com.

ROUND 2. DUNK 1 Our Score: 48

ROUND 2. DUNK 1 Our Score: 49

Evans leaped over a covered eisel and put home a clean left-handed windmill. Upon completing the dunk, he reveal a self-portrait of him doing the exact same dunk. It was original, charming, simple, entertaining and the right kind of gimmick.

Using a pass off-the-side-of-the-backboard, Ross (wearing a Raptors Vince Carter throwback from 2000) leaped, caught the ball and put down a perfect one-handed spinning windmill. The finish was clean and the creativity was perfectly pitched for a Final Round dunk.

ROUND 2. DUNK 1 Our Score: 49

ROUND 2. DUNK 2 Our Score: 50

Skying over Dahntay Jones, Evans went spread eagle -- his favourite move -- cocked back the ball, paused in mid-air and then hammered home the left-handed finish. It was classic, smooth and it put him in the drivers seat to win. It also put Ross under a heap of pressure.

Saving his best for last, Ross took off over a ball-boy and while in the air, he switched the ball from his out-strecthed left hand to his right by going under his right leg and then glided in for the strong right-handed finish. It was a perfect dunk. The ball-boy was probably unnecessary but that extra element only added to the drama. Hats off to a wonderful showing, Ross earned the right to be labelled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;best skywalkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of 2013.

Official NBA vote:

Our Final Round Scores:

Ross: 58% Evans: 42%

Ross: 99 Evans: 97

DUNK CONTEST.

Final Placings. Ross (Champion) Evans (Runner-up) Bledsoe 89 (Third) Faried 89 (Third) Green 82 (Fifth) White 77 (Last) Above / Left: James White prior to the 2013 Dunk Contest in Houston. Despite being in high demand, ‘Flight’ White fulfilled a few K1X obligations; found time to hoop with a few local youngsters and even held court with the guys from NiceKicks.com.

In closing... What goes up, must come down and at age 30, James White will remain an internet legend over being able to claim ‘NBA Dunk champ immortality’... As for Gerald Green, the Houston native could’ve brought down the house with his double-dunk but his ten failed attempts had everyone looking for their nearest exit... For the record, the Jeremy Evans vs. Terrence Ross finale was every bit as exciting (and memorable) as the duel between Jason Richardson and Desmond Mason in 2003 (and for those who know their Dunk Contest history, that’s impressive company). In the end, Ross, a former Washington Huskies standout who became the eighth overall selection in 2012, had the best first round in the event and followed that up with a superior Final Round effort to become the first rookie since Josh Smith in 2005 to claim the crown. The prototypical contest dunker -- boasting graceful movement, great leaping ability and technical skill -- Ross by-passed the props department and relied solely on his athleticism to guide him home.

Right: Local resident, Gerald Green showing off his city love during the Friday Media Availability.

TAKEAWAYS.

ALL-STAR WEEKEND WINNER.

Kyrie Irving

. G. Cavs. The only person to compete on all three nights (Rising Stars Challenge, Three-Point Shootout and the All-Star Game), Irving was dubbed the ‘breakout’ star of All-Star 2013 by various media outlets. After pouring in a teamhigh 32 points, to go along with six assists and six boards, Kyrie dazzled fans late in the opening contest after challenging Brandon Knight to an impromptu crossover showdown. Uncle Drew then claimed the Three-Point Contest crown by hitting 17 of his first 18 shots and boosted his overall rep by tallying 15 points, four dimes and three boards in Sunday night’s main event.

1800 members of the media converged in Houston to capture every angle of the showcase, with 312 international reporters representing 46 countries and territories (including Bulgaria, Kenya, Korea, Mongolia, Qatar and Switzerland). Global coverage also reached 215 countries in 47 languages. Worth noting, All-Star 2013 included 140 hours of digital All-Star coverage, saw nearly 400 million social media followers able to gain access, connect and participate in All-Star 2013 voting and for the first time, a free computer, mobile device and tablet app was introduced. It appears as though money spent on the League, or by the league, or for the league, just keeps growing. Offering a fresh take on All-Star Saturday, the NBA separated the two Conferences, named Dwyane Wade (East) and Chris Paul (West) captains and tallied points from the respective events (Slam Dunk Contest, 3-Point Shootout, Skills Challenge and Shooting Stars) with the West eventually winning, 140 to 125. Points were earned throughout the night, meaning no All-Star Saturday Night competition was without its own significance, for all participants. In addition to the charitable donations made by both the NBA Cares program and State Farm, Tace Bell contributed a series of Foundation scholarships. For their troubles, the Western Conference were awarded $350,000 with the East landing $150,000 (all proceeds going to charity). The NBA continues to be a socially responsibility operation and as a result, may lives are often enriched. The league’s grassroots and community initiatives reach millions of people. Kudos.

There was also a Legend’s Game on Friday, February 16 at the University of Houston’s Hofheinz Pavilion (where fans were able to see Dominique Wilkins, Shawn Kemp, Tim Hardaway, Penny Hardaway, Dale Davis and Steve Francis, among others). We were unable to attend so hopefully the 80s- / 90s-centric line-ups appeared as advertised. Regardless, the event benefited the Rodney Rogers Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to assisting those in a paralyzed condition [ED. -- Rodney passed by us during one of the media dinning sessions and it just killed us to see the big man so limited], as well as the Brian Grant Foundation for those living with Parkinson’s and a few other local charities.

As for non-basketball All-Star Entertainment, Fall Out Boy reunited, John Legend sang a memorable rendition of the national anthem and Alicia Keys was enjoyable but uneven (with an even stranger choice of wardrobe). Still, a free concert in a large arena is a free concert in a large arena, so it’s hard to find major fault.

TAKEAWAYS.

PLUS...

During the annual Media Day (Friday), NBA fans were also able to gain unrivaled access (usually reserved for the Fourth Estate) by watching one of four cameras that were streaming live footage on nba. com/amexallstar. Digital interaction is becoming increasing important for global brands as eyeballs shift towards online content. This level of access to fans appears to only be the beginning of what will be an NBAled sports entertainment exchange. On Sunday afternoon, the NBA, it’s Cares program and the Special Olympics collaborated for a unified game of hoops on the Jam Session’s Center Court. 12 international Special Olympics athletes were joined by current (Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond, Kenneth Faried, Damian Lillard), ex (Dikembe Mutombo, Chris Mullin, Detlef Schrempf, Ron Harper) and WNBA players (Candice Wiggins, Ruth Riley, Nicole Powell and Ticha Penicheiro). $50,000 was also donated by The CocaCola Company -- an event partner -- and NBA Cares to the Special Olympics. The focus of the event was to promote an environment of acceptance and inclusion. Russell Westbrook and John Starks also hosted a clinic for 70 Special Olympics athletes prior to the exhibition. The dunk contest was expected to be decided by the colours: (James) White and (Gerald) Green, only that never happened. Instead, Terrence Ross turned in a vintage showing of aerial artistry, leaving few disappointed. One Sports Illustrated scribe commented that, “The annual Rookie / Sophomore game is an abomination and should not be watched by anyone but relatives and close friends of the players and their agents.” We’re not even sure that the parties he mentioned even care anymore. The Friday Night festivities are tired and in need of transplants with the only problem being: how does one wake from a coma? NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter (who remains under investigation for a series of unsavory practices) was finally stood down.

With Kevin Love unable to defend his Foot Locker Three-Point Contest trophy (due to injury -- broken hand sustained on January 3), the saloon doors were left wide open for six of the NBA’s best gun-slingers to show-off their skills. For the first time, the field of six was divided into East and West. All-Stars Paul George and Kyrie Irving headlined the competition but all eyes were on the spot-up specialists, Matt Bonner and Steve Novak. The former advancing to take on Irving in the Final. David Stern gave his final All-Star Weekend Press Conference (which was dominated by talk about the future of the Sacramento Kings). Speaking of which, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson was the ‘busiest man’ during All-Star 2013 as he campaigned (publicly and in private) to keep the Kings where they are (despite a $525 million deal being announced to an ownership group in Seattle). James Harden, Kevin Durant and Russell ‘Urkel’ Westbrook reunited for the first time since being split up by Sam Presti in late October, 2012. All three spoke about how much they missed clocking court time with each other. During the four days of All-Star 2013, over 100 players and coaches from the NBA and WNBA -- past and present -- appeared at the various Jam Session attractions. More importantly, the NBA Cares initiative was involved in five days of hands-on community service. After skipping last year’s media session (before attending a NIKE sponsored event), Kobe actually showed up this time but with a twist. Instead of taking his designated station, where numerous camera crews were already set up, he pissed off the hungry hoard and sat at the podium next to his name plated seat. He also brought his daughter along for question time. Well played, Mr. Bryant. Lastly, The NBA launched their ‘Stats’ platform (during All-Star 2013). In keeping with online demands, NBA.com/Stats is set to become the most comprehensive pro hoops database. It includes every boxscore in NBA History, updates in real-time and it’s free.

BREAKING BAD. The Rising Stars challenge is in desperate need of a tune up. The takeaway order from the 2013 Rising Stars challenge was a Manimal sized burger with a side order of ankle-breakers. After Kenneth Faried dropped 40 points (hitting 18 from 22 FG with ten boards) in just 22 minutes, you just knew the fans would vote him as Game M.V.P. Barely helping matters, High School rivals turned friendly foes, Kyrie Irving and Brandon Knight played a somewhat meaningless game of ‘top that’ late in the blowout as they each waved off their teammates (on consecutive possessions) in an attempt to embarrass the other with a series of nasty crossovers. By hafltime it was 108 to 43 (okay, it was 90 - 66 but the game was starting to resemble a Harlem GlobeTrotters vs. Washington Generals contest). Naturally, the scoreline caused a few yawns. The lack of genuinely sexy players (minus Kyrie Irving and Ricky Rubio) never helped matters either. Nor was the unbalanced squads selected by both GM’s: Chuck and Shaq. It’s a fantastic opportunity for a collection of rookie and sophomores to play in the national spotlight but no one -- the players included -- wants to be witness to a heartless affair. One solution: Alter the format so that five rookies and five sophomores form each Conference team up. If the overall All-Star strategy moving forward is to take the “Conference” split and turn it into a competition, why not extend it to cover the entire weekend? Shaq and Chuck can still manage the teams, select the starting lineups, etc. Plus, position deficiency won’t matter because holes are easily plugged. The other solution is to increase the pay on offer or better yet, why not offer the Game MVP an honorary call-up, as the 13th man, to the Sunday outing. Ideally, offering more should help to motivate the players so that Friday Night is taken more seriously. There’s so much money spent of the event, why not make it a valued item. Granted not every single game will be breath-taking but it’s still worth trying to prevent it becoming a glorified scrimmage.

BANK SHOT. Leveraging on court talent isn’t a science (otherwise Tim Duncan’s name would continue to appear near the top of the annual ‘highest earners’ list) but when coupled with real marketable personality, the earnings potential for today’s best is off the charts. Not surprisingly then, the Los Angeles Lakers have three of the top ten earners in basketball with Kobe Bryant (1), Dwight Howard (8) and Pau Gasol (10). In fact, six of the top ten reside in either New York or L.A, with the Clippers’ Chris Paul (9) and the Knicks’ forward tandem of Carmelo Anthony (6) and Amar’e Stoudemire (7) providing the other three big market spots. Individually, Kobe ($60 million total) and LeBron James ($58 million total) continue to enjoy peak public relevance (as the top two timber earners) while Bryant’s teammate, Pau Gasol is the highest earning international player (thanks to $19 million in NBA salary). King James earns considerably more from his endorsement deals than he does from the Miami Heat (just $17.6 million in 2012-13) but that trade off was assumed when the Heatles were formed. Plus, Florida also has a lower state tax rate than Ohio so James keeps a larger portion of his earnings. Even though the C.B.A limits individual player salaries to 35% of the team cap, Kobe still earns a whopping $7 million more (this year) than the next highest paid player. Regardless, Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz, NIKE, Panini and Turkish Air all want him to endorse their products and / or services. Bryant is only dwarfed by the top salesman, LeBron, who lends his weight to Audemars Piguet, Coca-Cola, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, NIKE, Samsung, State Farm and Upper Deck. You wanna sell something, use King James (but be ready to pay for the privilege). Derrick Rose’s 13-year, $185 million contract with adidas ensures he’ll be in the top five for some time to come despite collecting just $16.4 million per season in basketball salary from his hometown Bulls. The 2011 NBA Lockout was never about denying the biggest names their entitlements, rather, it was a means to stop the mid-level exaggeration and bring overall costs down. Even post-Lockout, it’s startling to see the top ten earners collect a combined $340 million. Here’s now they stack up...

Figures taken from the February 11, 2013 issue of Forbes. Rob Mahoney’s Sports Illustrated piece also provided background for this article.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

1. Kobe Bryant. SG. Los Angeles Lakers

Earnings: $59.8 million (On-court: $27.8 million Off-court: $32 million

2. LeBron James. SF. Miami Heat

Earnings: $57.6 million (On-court: $17.6 million Off-court: $40 million)

3. Derrick Rose. PG. Chicago Bulls

Earnings: $32.4 million (On-court: $16.4 million Off-court: $16 million)

4. Dwyane Wade. SG. Miami Heat

Earnings: $30.2 million (On-court: $17.2 million  Off-court: $13 million)

5. Kevin Durant. SF. Oklahoma City Thunder

Earnings: $29.7 million (On-court: $16.7 million Off-court: $13 million)

6. Carmelo Anthony. SF. New York Knicks

Earnings: $28.4 million (On-court: $19.4 million Off-court: $9 million)

7. Amar’e Stoudemire. PF. New York Knicks

Earnings: $27.9 million (On-court: $19.9 million Off-court: $8 million)

8. Dwight Howard. C. Los Angeles Lakers

Earnings: $26.5 million (On-court: $19.5 million Off-court: $7 million)

9. Chris Paul. PG. Los Angeles Clippers

Earnings: $24.8 million (On-court: $17.8 million  Off-court: $7 million)

10. Pau Gasol. PF. Los Angeles Lakers

Earnings: $21.5 million (On-court: $19 million Off-court: $2.5 million) $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

THE PERFECT 50. From retired greats to current All-Stars, everyone paid their respects to Michael Jordan’s career, impact and legacy during All-Star 2013. Sports Illustrated, a long time proponent of M.J’s popularity, even gave his Arness his 50th print cover to coincide with his 50th birthday. During All-Star festivities, Kevin Garnett, among others, offered his take on Jordan’s significance while the modern Michael, LeBron James, confessed how he viewed the Bulls guard like a superhero growing up. Signs of Jordan’s influence were visible throughout the Weekend and with 22 million Facebook fans (trailing only football icons Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and David Beckham), it appears as though one can never overdose on M.J. Born Michael Jeffery Jordan on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, his exploits are as popular as they are accomplished. We all know the stories: Left off the Varsity Team; a vital contributor to Dean Smith’s University of North Carolina Tar Heels -- an early 80s powerhouse; passed over for collegiate giant Sam Bowie; an unstoppable one-man force with the Chicago Bulls; frozen out of the All-Star Game by Isiah Thomas; a two-time Dunk Champion and owner of the best highlights package ever seen in sports; a ball-hog who missed more game-winners than he made; a six-time NBA champion and Finals MVP who took 18 months off to pursuit minor league baseball after his father was tragically killed; the catalyst for NIKE’s most successful sneaker franchise; Sport’s most ruthless teammate and winner; the centerpiece to the Dream Team and a talent unlike any seen before or since... simply put, Michael did it all, on and off the basketball court. In fact, ESPN Stats notes that ‘Michael’ was the most popular boys name from 1984 thru to ‘98. Coincidence? Hardly. What Michael did for the global popularity of basketball, at the same time cable television and the home entertainment market was exploding, can’t be understated. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson forced fans to make a choice, with Michael, there was never a debate. Because of Jordan, every one who followed, from Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade; from Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose to whoever is next is line, can now enjoy lucrative sneaker deals, mammoth

playing contracts and global exposure. David Stern is the greatest Commissioner the NBA has ever seen precisely because he capitalized on the Michael locomotive. Jordan now has an estimated net worth of $650 million but he only ever received $90 million in playing salary from the Chicago Bulls -- which feels criminal given how many other athletes have topped the $100 million mark (in one contract) over the past 15 years but after he collected an estimated $80 million combined from 2K Sports, Five Star Fragrances, Gatorade, Hanes, NIKE, Presbyterian Healthcare and Upper Deck in 2012, we’re sure he’s not sitting back on a porch somewhere complaining. Digging deeper, it was reported his namesake brand generates more than $1.75 billion globally (primarily from its footwear and apparel divisions). According to reports, LeBron James remains the NBA’s top-seller among contracted players but was outsold by Jordan 6 to 1 in the U.S marketplace (in 2012). SportsOneSource even states: “Jordan Brand makes up 58% of the U.S Basketball market with NIKE (34%), adidas (5.5%), Reebok (1.6%) and Under Armour (0.6%) splitting the remaining portion of pie.” Not bad given Jordan originally signed a five-year $2.5 million deal (plus royalties) with NIKE back when he was a fresh faced, 21-year-old rookie. Even with inflation, M.J has been basketball’s most bankable name. And now, as a 50 year-old man, Michael divides his time between the links, his motorsports team, overseeing his six restaurants, his namesake brand (a division of NIKE, inc.) and of course, trying to turn the hapless Charlotte Bobcats into a contender. During All-Star 2013, he even donated 100k to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and spent an additional unreported sum to cover all the expenses of his 50th birthday party. In conjunction with that milestone, he helped launch the Air Jordan XX8 (which was worn by new endorsee Russell Westbrook during the Western Conference Practice session and in Sunday’s main event). Ten years after finishing his stint with the Washington Wizards; 15 years after his Bulls won their sixth NBA title (in eight seasons) and 30 years after his birth name became commonly known, Michael Jordan remains the biggest force in modern basketball. Happy Birthday, Mike. Image credit: Courtesy of Jordan Brand.

HEAVIEST IS THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN. When asked about Michael Jordan’s comments in which he reluctantly stated his preference of Kobe Bryant (because he has more rings to his name), LeBron James responded to one reporter by stating, “I don’t really have a take on it. He said he would take Kobe over me because he’s won five. That’s his own opinion.” As James, now the proud owner of championship jewelry, confidently reminds, “If that was the case, then I would sit up here and say I would take [Bill] Russell over Jordan. I wouldn’t... Take, I don’t know, Robert Horry over Kobe. I wouldn’t do that. It’s your own personal opinion. Rings [do] not define a person’s career.” For the record, the only way two players are comparable is by pitting them against one another based on season’s played. It’s silly to compare the skills of a ten-year-old with those of a 15-year-old, so why try and compare someone ten years deep into their NBA career with someone

who is 15 years into theirs? Mike should’ve known better, same goes for Ahmad Rashad, who asked the question but as Ben Golliver of S.I.com notes, “It shouldn’t, but the sound bite virtually always trumps the fuller narrative... That’s a modern media fact of life.” LeBron, clearly frustrated by the stance Jordan took, even aimed his comments at his Airness and at the various reporters on hand who insisted this was now a story worthy of more, “I don’t play the game and try to define who I am over what guys say or how they feel about me. It doesn’t matter to me. I play for my family, I play for my teammates, I play for our coaching staff and I play for our fans, that’s it.” That last part may ruffle a few feathers in Ohio but for the most part, James, unlike Kobe, has never appeared to be tracing someone else’s blueprint. LeBron still adores M.J, the player. He still dreams of being able to play on team’s with and against the G.O.A.T and although he

appears to remain sensitive towards assumptions that he cares about how M.J views him (above all else), James candidly recalls how, “M.J was an inspiration to me growing up.” At the All-Star Media Availability he informed the microphone men that, “Batman, Transformers and Michael Jordan” were his childhood heroes. However, that James is no longer with us. He lives to some degree in recollections but for the most part, he died the day James decided he was his own man -- and to a lesser extent, the kid inside LeBron was left with the No. 23 back in Cleveland. James cleansed himself long ago, accepting his natural evolution. He probably hopes we’ve all moved on as well. Now, happily and publicly, LeBron acknowledges his larger quest: “I want to be the greatest of all time” because as he knows, that title will find its rightful owner and will be debated in the court of public opinion (and never on a basketball court).

James does accept the conversation is a by-product of his talent level, stating, “The comparisons are going to come. I’d rather be compared to Michael Jordan than somebody who wasn’t in the league very long. It’s very humbling. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given. Mike is in his own lane and I try to create my own.” We may all forget that James is just 28 years old -- the same age Michael was when he started to win chips -- but LeBron is always aware of his age and it appears that all he is ever really asking for is the chance to write his own biography, without critics judging his unfinished manuscript.

CLASS OF 2013. On Friday, February 15 a dozen names were chosen as finalists for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. To be in the running for the Hall, you either have to have serious cultural clout, a long-time superior performer, contributed heavily to multiple championship teams, been one of your decade’s defining players or someone who put a school (or franchise) on the map. The 2013 Finalists includes six first-time nominees and an impressive group of returnees. The Class of 2013 will be formally announced on Monday, April 8 in Atlanta (prior to the NCAA’s Men’s Championship game). The Hall of Fame Press Conference at All-Star Weekend included Earl Monroe (Class of 1990); Bob Lanier (‘92); Calvin Murphy (‘93); Rick Barry (‘97); Bob McAdoo (‘00); Clyde Drexler (‘04); USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo (‘04); Dominique Wilkins (‘06); Artis Gilmore and Tom “Satch” Sanders (both ‘11). Not a bad way to be recognised. Here’s why the 12 standouts have been nominated (for hoops immortality)...

SYLVIA HATCHELL.Coach Third Division I Women’s coach to tally 900 career wins. Only coach to win national championships at three different levels (AIAW, NAIA and NCAA). Three-time National Coach of the Year (1994, 2006 and 2008). Led her squads to seven 30-win seasons.

DAWN STALEY.Player Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist (1996, 2000 and 2004). Two-time National College Player of the Year (1991, 1992). USA Basketball Female Player of the Year (1994) Only player in Women’s College Basketball to record 2,000 points, 700 assists and 400 steals.

MAURICE CHEEKS.Player Four-time NBA All-Star. Four-time NBA All-Defensive team selection. NBA champion with Philadelphia 76ers Retired fifth on the NBA career list for assists (7,392) and steals (2,310).

TIM HARDAWAY.Player Five-time NBA All-Star (1991, 1992, 1993, 1997 and 1998). All-NBA First Team selection (1997). Currently ranks 13th in NBA history in both career assists (7,095) and three-point field goals made (1,542). WAC Player of the Year in 1989 (University of Texas-El Paso).

TOM HEINSOHN.Coach

RICK PITINO.Coach

Two-time NBA Championship (Boston Celtics -- 1974 and 1976). NBA Coach of the Year honors in 1973. Set the single-season franchise mark with 68 wins in 1973. Recipient of the Jack McMahon Award (1995) and the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2009).

Only Head Coach to lead three different schools to the NCAA Final Four. Led Kentucky to the 1996 National Championship. 21 NCAA Post-season appearances and six Final Fourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (1987, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2005 and 2011). NCAA Coach of the Year from various outlets three different years.

JERRY TARKANIAN.Coach

GUY LEWIS.Coach

Recorded 990 wins career wins. Led the University of Nevada-Las Vegas to four NCAA Final Four appearances (1977, 1987, 1990 and 1991). 1990 NCAA Championship winning Head Coach. Coached 12 First Round NBA Draft picks.

Led the University of Houston to five NCAA Final Four appearances. Won National Coach of the Year honors twice (1968 and 1983). 14 NCAA tournament appearances. Coached 29 future NBA players (including current Hall of Famers Elvin Hayes, Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon).

BERNARD KING.Player

MITCH RICHMOND.Player

Four-time NBA All-Star. Two-time NBA First-Team selection. First Team All-America at the University of Tennessee. Averaged over 22 points per during his 15-year career.

Six-time NBA All-Star (1993-1998). NBA Rookie of the Year (1989) Three-time All-NBA Second Team selection. Averaging more than 21 points per game for ten consecutive seasons.

SPENCER HAYWOOD.Player

GARY PAYTON.Player

ABA Rookie of the Year and League MVP in 1970 where he led the league in points, points per game, rebounds, rebounds per game, minutes played and field goals. ABA single-season record for most minutes played (3,808), most field goals made (986), most rebounds (1,637) and highest rebounding average (19.5). Two-time All-NBA First Team selection (1973, 1974). 1968 Olympic Gold Medallist.

Nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. Two-time All-NBA First Team selection (1998, 2000). NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1996). Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (1996, 2000).

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SNEAKISTRY.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE NIKE KIND

NIKE’s All-Star editions are often the most hyped, most anticipated and most satisfying product drop of the NBA season. For All-Star 2013, their three biggest and most popular signature lines -- LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant -- were all given an ‘outta this world’ update. Somewhat returning to the space exploration theme from 2012, NIKE flipped the concept to be about extraterrestrial species, undiscovered planets and new constellations. The press notes called it a “fictional interpretation” but it’s as much about the literal as it is about the figurative. NIKE Basketball has long prided itself on a limitless ethos and that’s reflected in this season’s respective signature make-ups. Driven by Eugene Rogers and Erick Goto, the 2013 NIKE All-Star signature collection combines Houston’s space lineage, a fictitious basketball universe and footwear designed specifically for three of the finest players to ever grace the hardwood.

LeBRON X

KOBE 8 SYSTEM

KD V

Highlights: Full-length visible Nike Zoom cushioning, dynamic Flywire technology and Hyperfuse construction -- the perfect trilogy.

Highlights: Engineered Mesh upper, Zoom midsole insert and Nike+ Basketball enabled for the first time.

Highlights: Zoom (forefoot) and Air (heel) cushioning, Hyperfuse upper and dynamic heel support.

SNEAKISTRY.

Area 72.

In addition to their signature lines (Kobe, LeBron and K.D), the Swoosh also released a five-shoe collection which links Houston’s rich history of space exploration with classic NIKE models. Dubbed the ‘Area 72’ collection, NIKE gave their Blazer Mid, Vandal, Lunar Force 1, Barkley Posite Max and Air Force Max 2013 an extraterrestrial facelift. Featuring glow-in-the-dark highlights, these limited sneakers come dressed with the NIKE Raygun character, a decade old figure from NIKE Basketball’s rich history.

SNEAKISTRY.

HOUSTON SNEAKER CHECKLIST. Dunk Contest. James White K1X Anti-Gravity Eric Bledsoe NIKE LeBron X Terrance Ross NIKE Barkley Posite Max Jeremy Evans NIKE Zoom Hyperdisruptor Gerald Green Reebok Kamikaze II Kenneth Faried adidas Crazy Fast Three-point contest. Matt Bonner New Balance Ryan Anderson NIKE Hyperdunk Stephen Curry NIKE Hyperfuse Kyrie Irving NIKE Hyperdunk Steve Novak NIKE Lunar Hypergamer Paul George NIKE Hyperdunk Skills Challenge. Tony Parker Peak Tony Parker Damian Lillard adidas D Rose 3.5

Jeremy Lin NIKE Lunar Hypergamer Low Brandon Knight adidas D Rose 3.5 Jeff Teague adidas Real Deal Kyrie Irving NIKE Hyperdunk Team Shaq. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Air Jordan XX8 Kemba Walker Under Armour Spine Bionic Bball Low Kyrie Irving NIKE Hyperdunk Dion Waiters NIKE Hyperfuse Low Tyler Zeller adidas Crazy Fast Andre Drummond (DNP) adidas Crazy Fast Harrison Barnes adidas Crazy Fast Klay Thompson NIKE Hyperdunk Chandler Parsons NIKE Hyperdunk Andrew Nicholson Peak Damian Lillard adidas Crazy Fast

Team Chuck. Tristan Thompson NIKE Hyperfuse Kenneth Faried adidas Crazy Fast Brandon Knight adidas Crazy Light II Ricky Rubio adidas Crazy Light II Alexey Shevd NIKE Hyperfuse Low Bradley Beal NIKE Zoom Hyperdisruptor Kawhi Leonard NIKE Air Flight One Isaiah Thomas Reebok Kamikaze II Nikola Vucevic NIKE Zoom LeBron Soldier VI Anthony Davis NIKE Barkley Posite Max All-Stars. East. Chris Bosh Nike Hyperposite Kevin Garnett Anta Garnett III LeBron James Nike LeBron X Dwyane Wade Li-Ning Way of Wade Carmelo Anthony Jordan Melo M9

Brook Lopez adidas Crazy Fast Paul George NIKE Hyperdunk Kyrie Irving NIKE Hyperdunk Tyson Chandler NIKE Hyperdunk Jrue Holiday adidas Crazy Fast Joakim Noah Le Coq Sporti P.E Luol Deng Nike Air Max Hyperagressor All-Stars. West. Dwight Howard adidas Howard Light Kevin Durant NIKE Zoom KD V Blake Griffin Jordan Super.Fly 2 Kobe Bryant NIKE Kobe 8 Chris Paul Jordan CP3.VI Russell Westbrook Air Jordan XX8 Tony Parker Peak Tony Parker Tim Duncan adidas Crazy Fast

Zach Randolph NIKE Air Max Hyperagressor David Lee NIKE Hyperdunk James Harden NIKE Hyperfuse Low LaMarcus Aldridge NIKE Hyperposite

SNEAKISTRY.

REVIEW. NIKE Zoom KDV BY KICKS GRADE.

For his fifth signature shoe, OKC Forward Kevin Durant wished for a midcut in addition to the inclusion of a Max Air bag in the heel. Designer Leo Chang answered the call with what has turned out to be a very well rounded, performance driven shoe (that will work very well for the majority of players. Unless you play in lowtops and lowtops only, you should definitely consider trying the new KD V because it combines the lockdown and ankle support of a high cut with the court feel and responsiveness of a low. Despite adding new technology like the Air bubble, Chang and co. managed to keep the price of the KD V below that of all the other signature shoes – another one of KD’s personal demands. Durant’s new signature ride performs very well across the board and will give you the most performance bang for your buck. A very desirable trait when you consider that even the Nike iD version of the shoe is priced considerably below the standard versions of a LeBron X (for example). Enjoy more performance reviews at:

kicksgrade.com

SNEAKISTRY.

UNDER ARMOUR.

KICKS & GRITS.

During All-Star 2013, everyone’s favourite Baltimore based performance expert, Under Armour, hosted a downtown Suite with live music, product displays, information stations and plenty of fine food + drink. Titled “Kicks & Grits”, the two day showing was a VIP only affair and for good reason, Hip Hop royalty Common and Talib Kweli both stopped by (with the former performing a highly enjoyable set) while celebrities like Anthony Hamilton, Tank and others made time in their busy schedules to stop by. The two focal points on the footwear front where the brand’s Charge BB and Spine Bionic models. For more, check out the Under Armour website and FaceBook page.

Image credits. Courtesy of Under Armour. Images by Akil Bennett.

SNEAKISTRY.

LI-NING.

THE WAY OF WADE

Image credits. Product shot: Bob Metelus. In-game action shots courtesy of the NBA / Getty. All-Star Practice: Christian Trojan.

Above: Dwyane Wade’s All-Star Edition Li-Ning ‘Way of Wade’. Left: Dwyane Wade’s ice-cool Li-Ning ‘Way of Wade’ kicks worn during All-Star Practice (Saturday morning at Jam Session).

For more, check out: wayofwade.com

SNEAKISTRY.

Image credit: Launch party pics by Bob Metelus.

LI-NING’S HOUSTON LAUNCH PAD.

Standing out At NBA All-Star Weekend isn’t easy but that’s exactly what Li-Ning was able to do on Friday, February 15 with their Way of Wade celebration. After announcing their partnership with the nine-time All-Star and two-time NBA Champion prior to the 2012-13 season, the international sportswear giant released a bold, performance driven, arctic cool signature sneaker and Houston served as the perfect platform to introduce one of this season’s finest offerings. Celebrating their collaboration, both D-Wade and Li-Ning welcomed Gold Medallist Gaby Douglas, celebrities Queen Latifah, Ludacris, T.I. and Common, ex-NBA stars and a wide range of special guests to their evening of artful fun. The man of the moment even walked the red carpet dressed in a golden bow-tie (before he changed clothes and held court, educating the eager crowd on all things Wade x Li-Ning). Capping off the stylish showing was an outlandish fish tank which housed multiple Li-Ning Way of Wade colourways. If Li-Ning and D-Wade were looking to claim opulent honours in Houston, they certainly succeed.

The Way of Wade is set for a March retail release (at select boutiques in Miami and New York). For more, check out:

wayofwade.com

A recap of the Li-Ning Way of Wade Houston All-Star Launch Party can also be enjoyed via YouTube, visit: http://youtube/sKPxAKRu4jY

SNEAKISTRY.

THE STEALTH COLLECTION.

For All-Star 2013, Jordan Brand released a fitting collection of stealth inspired models. Comprising of the Air Jordan I Retro Mid, Air Jordan III, Jordan MELO M9 and Jordan CP3.VI, this limited edition All-Star pack is more than an extension of the Air Jordan XX8 stealth aesthetic, it’s a thematic which retains the essence of Michael’s famous “By the time you see me coming, it’s too late” quote. Best of all, these four make-ups feature integrated UV ink which illuminates under black light.

Product details:

MELO M9

Canyon / Purple / Electric Green / Black / Pure Violet.

CP3.VI Black / Electric Green / Canyon / Purple / Pure Violet.

Air Jordan I Mid Black / Electric Green / Canyon / Purple / Pure Violet.

Air Jordan III Black / Electric Green / Cayanne / Purple / White.

Air Jordan XX8 Black / White / Electric Green.

SNEAKISTRY.

THE AIR JORDAN XX8. The 28th signature shoe in the famed Air Jordan franchise has polarized collectors like few releases before it. It’s $250 retail price point has nothing on the stealth theme which powers the ultra-modern, almost moon boot like design. The lightest signature Jordan release to date, the AJXX8 also boasts the impressive Jordan Flight Plate (a Pebax® moderator plate that maximizes the Zoom’s responsiveness), an internal strap (to help secure the foot) and an upper made of Schoeller mesh (that’s basically a premium Swiss fabric used in motorcycling jackets). Designed by the dynamic duo of Tinker Hatfield and Josh Heard, the AJXX8 is a boundary pushing, high performance, state-of-the-art sneaker that is as bold as it is brave.

SNEAKISTRY.

TOP 5 ALL-STAR 2013 SNEAKERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

NIKE Zoom Kobe 8 System Air Jordan XX8 NIKE Hyperdunk adidas CrazyFast NIKE LeBron X Low

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Kobe Bryant’s latest signature line was made all the more collectible with his intergalactic colourway. His stellar All-Star showing didn’t hurt either. We just had to celebrate his Airness turing 50 (must be the shoes). The contrasting Red + Blue colourways Russ wore in the ASG were perfect. Killer Kyrie Irving’s Player Edition NIKE’s were a real head turner (for all the right reasons) throughout the weekend. Keep it up, Uncle Drew. Appearing everywhere in Houston (from Friday morning to Sunday night), the Green Camo make-up had garden fresh appeal. Worn by King James during Saturday morning’s All-Star practice. This colour-way / model was our All-Star Top Five cut-off shoe. Quality year 2013.

Honourable Mention: Li-Ning’s Way of Wade (Dwyane was everywhere in Houston and he rocked his new signature line every step of the way).

HONOUR ROLL. ALL-TIME PLAYING ROSTER 19. Kareem Abdul-

14. Tim Duncan

12. Larry Bird

11. Charles Barkley

10. Ray Allen

15. Kobe Bryant

(1998; ‘00 - ‘11; ‘13) Michael Jordan (1985 - ‘93; ‘96 ‘98; ‘02; ‘03) Karl Malone (1988 - ‘98; ‘00 ’02) Jerry West (1961 ‘74)

(1980 - 1’88; ‘90 ‘92) Elvin Hayes (1969 - ‘80) Magic Johnson (1980; ‘82 - ‘92) Moses Malone (1978 - 1989) Hakeem Olajuwon (1985 - ‘90; ‘92 ‘97) Oscar Robertson (1961 - ‘72) Bill Russell (1958 - 1969) Dolph Schayes (1951 - 1962) Isiah Thomas (1982 - 1993)

(1987 - 1997) Elgin Baylor (1959 1965; 1967 - 1970) Julius Erving (1977 - 1987) Patrick Ewing (1986; 1988 - 1997) Allen Iverson (2000 - 2010) Dirk Nowitzki (2002 - 2012) Bob Pettit (1955 - 1965)

(2000 - 2002; 2004 2009; 2011) Paul Arizin (1951; 1952; 1955 1962) Clyde Drexler (1986; 1988 - 1994; 1996; 1997) Hal Greer (1961 - 1970) Jason Kidd (1996; 1998; 2000 - 2004; 2007; 2008; 2010) Paul Pierce (2002 - ‘06; ‘08 ‘12) David Robinson (1990 - ‘96; ‘98; ‘00; ‘01) John Stockton (1989 - ‘97; ‘00)

Jabbar (1970 - ‘77; ‘79 - ‘89)

(1998; ‘00 - ‘13) Kevin Garnett (1997; ‘98; ‘00 - ‘11; ‘13) Shaquille O’Neal (1993 - ‘98; ‘00 ‘07; ‘09)

13. Wilt Chamberlain (1960 - ‘69; ‘71 ‘73) Boby Cousy (1951 - ‘63) John Havlicek (1966 - ‘78)

CONTINUED AFTER ALL-STAR M.V.P LISTING.

ALL-STAR GAME M.V.P.

4x 3x 2x 1x

Chris Paul/Kevin Durant/Kobe Bryant/Dwyane Wade/ Kobe Bryant + Shaquille O’Neal/LeBron James/Kobe Bryant/LeBron James/Allen Iverson/Shaquille O’Neal/ Kevin Garnett/Kobe Bryant/Allen Iverson/Tim Duncan + Shaquille O’Neal/Michael Jordan/Glen Rice/ Michael Jordan/Mitch Richmond/ Scottie Pippen/Karl Malone + John Stockton/Magic Johnson/Charles Barkley/ Magic Johnson/Karl Malone/Michael Jordan/Tom Chambers/ Isiah Thomas/ Ralph Sampson/Isiah Thomas/Julius Erving/Larry Bird/Tiny Archibald/George Gervin/David Thompson/Randy Smith/Julius Erving/Dave Bing/Walt Frazier/Bob Lanier/Dave Cowens/Jerry West/Lenny Wilkens/Willis Reed/Oscar Robertson/Hal Greer/Rick Barry/Adrian Smith/Jerry Lucas/Oscar Robertson/Bill Russell/Bob Pettit/Oscar Robertson/Wilt Chamberlain/ Elgin Baylor + Bob Pettit/Bob Pettit/Bob Cousy/Bob Pettit/Bill Sharman/Bob Cousy George Mikan/Paul Arizin/Ed Macauley. THE Multiple Winners:

Kobe Bryant (2011; 2009; 2007; 2002) Bob Pettit (1962; 1959; 1958; 1956) Shaquille O’Neal (2009; 2004; 2000) Michael Jordan (1998; 1996; 1988) Oscar Robertson (1969; 1964; 1961)

LeBron James (2008; 2006) Allen Iverson (2001; 2005) Karl Malone (1993; 1989) Magic Johnson (1992; 1990) Isiah Thomas (1986; 1984) Julius Erving (1983; 1976) Bob Cousy (1954; 1957)

HONOUR ROLL.

George Gervin (1977 - ‘85) LeBron James (2005 - 2013) Robert Parish (1981 - ‘87; ‘90; ‘91) Gary Payton (1994 - ‘98; ‘00 - ‘03) Dwyane Wade (2005 - 2013) Lenny Wilkens (1963 - ‘65; ‘67 - ‘71; ‘73) Dominique Wilkins (1986 - ‘94)

- 1991) Alonzo Mourning (1994 1997; 2000 - 2002) Scottie Pippen (1990; 1992 - 1997) Willis Reed (1965 - 1971) Jack Skima (1979 - 1985) Nate Thurmond (1965 1968; 1970; 1973; 1974) Chet Walker (1964; ‘66; ‘67; ‘70; ‘71; ‘73; ‘74) Jo Jo White (1971 - ‘77) James Worthy (1986 - ‘92)

Rick Barry (1966; ‘67; ‘73 - ‘78) Chris Bosh (2006 - ‘13) Vince Carter (2000 - 2007) Dave DeBusschere (1966 ‘68; ‘70 - ‘74) Alex English (1982 - 1989) Larry Foust (1951 - 1956; 1958; 1959) Bob Lanier (1972 - 1975; 1977 - 1979; 1982) Dikembe Mutombo (1992; 1995 - 1998; 2000 - 2002) Steve Nash (2002; 2003; 2005 - 2008; 2010; 2012) Bill Sharman (1953 - 1960) Yao Ming (2003 - ‘09; ‘11)

Dave Bing (1968; ‘69; ‘71; ‘73 - ‘76) Dave Cowens (1972 - ‘78) Walt Frazier (1970 - ‘76) Harry Gallatin (1951 - ‘57) Grant Hill (1995 - ‘98; ‘00; ‘01; ‘05) Dwight Howard (2007 - 2013) Jerry Lucas (1964 - 1969; 1971) Ed Macauley (1951 - ‘57) Slater Martin (1953 - ‘59) Tracy McGrady (2001 -’ 07) Dick McGuire (1951; ‘52; ‘54 - ‘56; ‘58; ‘59) Kevin McHale (1984; 1986

Carmelo Anthony (2007; 2008; 2010 - 2013) Nate Archibald (1973; 1975; 1976; 1980 - 1982) Larry Costello (1958 - 1962; 1965) Adrian Dantley (1980 - 1982; 1984 - 1986) Walter Davis (1978 - 1981; 1984; 1987) Joe Dumars (1990 - 1993; 1995; 1997) Artis Gilmore (1978; 1979; 1981 - 1983; 1986) Rickie Guerin (1958 - 1963) Tom Heinsohn (1957; 1961 - 1965) Bailey Howell (1961- 1964; 1966; 1967) Lou Hudson (1969 - 1974) Joe Johnson (2007 - 2012) Neil Johnston (1953 - 1958) Shawn Kemp (1993 - 1998) Vern Mikkelsen (1951 - 1953; 1955 - 1957) Jermaine O’Neal (2002 2007) Chris Paul (2008 - 2013) Mitch Richmond (1993 1998) Amar’e Stoudemire (2005; 2007 - 2011) Jack Twyman (1957 - 1960; 1962; 1963) George Yardley (1955 - 1960)

Chauncey Billups (2006 2010) Carl Braun (1953 - 1957) Brad Daugherty (1988; 1989; 1991 - 1993) Wayne Embry (1961 - 1965) Tom Gola (1960 - 1964) Gail Goodrich (1969; 1972 - 1975) Cliff Hagan (1958 - 1962) Tim Hardaway (1991 - 1993; 1997; 1998) Dennis Johnson (1979 1982; 1985) Gus Johnson (1965; 1968 - 1971) Marques Johnson (1979; 1980; 1981; 1983; 1986) Sam Jones (1962; 1964; 1965; 1966; 1968) Rudy LaRusso (1962; 1963; 1966; 1968; 1969) Pete Maravich (1973; 1974; 1977; 1978; 1979) Bob McAdoo (1974; 1975; 1976; 1977; 1978) Reggie Miller (1990; 1995; 1996; 1998; 2000) Sidney Moncrief (1982; 1983; 1984; 1985; 1986) Chris Mullin (1989; 1990; 1991; 1992; 1993) Don Ohl (1963; 1964; 1965; 1966; 1967) Tony Parker (2006; 2007; 2010; 2012; 2013) Andy Phillip (1951 - ‘55) Gene Shue (1958 - ‘62) Rudy Tomjanovich (1974 ‘77; ‘79) Wes Unseld (1969; ‘71 - ‘73; ‘75) Bobby Wanzer (1952 - ‘56) Chris Webber (1997; ‘00 ‘03) Paul Westphal (1977 - ‘81)

Vin Baker (1995 - ‘98) Walt Bellamy (1962 - ‘65) Otis Birdsong (1979 - 81; 1984) Rolando Blackman (1985 ‘87; 1990) Tom Chambers (1987; 1989; 1990; 1991) Maurice Cheeks (1983; 1986 - ‘88) Doug Collins 1976 - ‘79) Billy Cunningham (1969 ‘72) Bobby Dandridge (1973; 1975; 1976; 1979) Bob Davies (1951 - ‘54) Kevin Durant (2010 - ‘13) Dick Gamaker (1957 - ‘60) Pau Gasol (2006; 2009 - ‘11) Johnny Green (1962; 1963; 1965; 1971) Penny Hardaway (1995 - ‘98) Connie Hawkins (1970 - ‘73) Spencer Haywood (1972 ‘75) Mel Hucthins (1953; 1954; 1956; 1957) Bobby Jones (1977; 1978; 1981; 1982) Bernard King (1982; 1984; 1985; 1991) Bill Lalmbeer (1983 - ‘85; 1987) Maurice Lucas (1977 - ‘79; 1983) Shawn Marion (2003; 2005 - ‘07) George Mikan (1951 - ‘54) Earl Monroe (1969; 1971; 1975; 1977) Willie Naulls (1958; 1960; 1961; 1962) Jim Pollard (1951; 1952; 1954; 1955) Mark Price (1989; 1992 - ‘94) Michael Ray Richardson (1980; 1981; 1982; 1985) Arnie Risen (1952 - ‘55) Alvin Robertson (1986 - ‘88; 1991)

Guy Rodgers (1963; 1964; 1966; 1967) Rajon Rondo (2010 - ‘13) Ralph Sampson (1984 - ‘87) Latrell Sprewell (1994; 1995; 1997; 2001) David Thompson (1977 - ‘79; 1983) Ben Wallace (2003 - ‘06) Rasheed Wallace (2000; 2001; 2006; 2008) Sidney Wicks (1972 - ‘75)

Mark Aquirre (1984; 1978; 1988) Gilbert Arenas (2005 - ‘07) Bill Bridges (1967; 1968; 1970) Phil Chenier (1974; 1975; 1977) Tery Dischinger (1963 - ‘65) Steve Francis (2002 - ‘04) Blake Griffin (2011 - ‘13) Richard Hamilton (2006 ‘08) Kevin Johnson (1990; 1991; 1994) Eddie Jones (1997; 1998; 2000) Bob Kauffman (1971 - ‘73) Johnny Kerr (1956; 1959; 1963) Bob Love (1971 - ‘73) Clyde Lovellette (1956; 1960; 1961) Dan Majerle (1992; 1993; 1995) George McGinnis (1976; 1977; 1979) Jeff Mullins (1969 - ‘71) Larry Nance (1985; 1989; 1993) Glen Rice (1996 - ‘98) Derrick Rose (2010 - ‘12) Dan Roundfield (1980 - ‘82) Brandon Roy (2008 - ‘10) Detlef Schrempf (1993; ‘95; ‘97) Charlie Scott (1973 - ‘75) Paul Seymour (1953 - ‘55)

Peja Stojakovic (2002 - ‘04) Maurice Stokes (1956 - ‘58) Dick Van Arsdale (1969 - ‘71) Tom Van Arsdale (1970 - ‘72) Norm Van Lier (1974; ‘76; ‘77) Antoine Walker (1998; ‘02; ‘03) Russell Westbrook (2011 - ‘13) Jamaal Wilkes (1976; ‘81; ‘83) Buck Williams (1982; ‘83; ‘86) Deron Williams (2010 - ‘12)

LaMarcus Aldridge (2012; 2013) Leo Barnhorst (1952; 1953) Zelmo Beaty (1966; 1968) Carlos Boozer (2007; 2008) Elton Brand (2002; 2006) Terrell Brandon (1996; 1997) Frank Brian (1951; 1952) Caron Butler (2007; 2008) Joe Caldwell (1969; 1970) Archie Clark (1968; 1972) Terry Cummings (1985; 1989) Baron Davis (2002; 2004) Luol Deng (2012; 2013) John Drew (1976; 1980) Kevin Duckworth (1989; 1991) Walter Dukes (1960; 1961) Dike Eddleman (1951; 1952) Sean Elliott (1993; 1996) Michael Finley (2000; 2001) Joe Fulks (1951; 1952) Jack George (1956; 1957) Manu Ginobili (2005; 2011) Al Horford (2010; 2011) Allan Houston (2000; 2001) Rod Hundley (1960; 1961) Zydrunas Ilgauskas (2003; 2005) Antawn Jamison (2005; 2008) Eddie Johnson (1980; 1981) John Johnson (1971; 1972) Larry Johnson (1993; 1995)

Larry Kenon (1978; 1979) Don Kojis (168; 1969) David Lee (2010; 2013) Fat Lever (1988; 1990) Rashard Lewis (2005; 2009) Kevin Love (2011; 2012) Jeff Malone (1986; 1987) Danny Manning (1993; 1994) Stephon Marbury (2001; 2003) Jack Marin (1972; 1973) Brad Miller (2003; 2004) Norm Nixon (1982; 1985) John Paxon (1983; 1984) Geoff Petrie (1971; 1974) Terry Porter (1991; 1993) Zach Randolph (2010; 2013) Glenn Robinson (2000; 2001) Truck Robinson (1978; 1981) Red Rocha (1951; 1952) Dennis Rodman (1990; 1992) Fred Scolan (1952; 1953) Ken Sears (1958; 1959) Frank Selvy (1955; 1962) Paul Silas (172; 1975) Jerry Sloan (1967; 1969) Phil Smith (1976; 1977) Randy Smith (1976; 1978) Jerry Stackhouse (2000; 2001) Reggie Theus (1981; 1983) Andrew Toney (1983; 1984) Kelly Tripucka (1982; 1984) Kiki Vandeweghe (1983; 1984) Jimmy Walker (1970; 1972) Bill Walton (1977; 1978) David West (2008; 2009) Gus Williams (1982; 1983 Brian Winters (1976; 1978)

Shareef Abdur-Rahim (2002) Alvin Adams (1976) Michael Adams (1992) Danny Ainge (1988) Kenny Anderson (1994) B.J Armstrong (1994) Don Barksdale (1953) Dick Barnett (1968) Dana Barros (1995)

Butch Beard (1972) Ralph Beard (1951) Mookie Blaylock (1994) John Block (1973) Bob Boozer (1968) Vince Boryla (1951) Bill Bradley (1973) Fred Brown (1976) Don Buse (1977) Andrew Bynum (2012) Austin Carr (1974) Joe Barry Carroll (1987) Bill Cartwright (1980) Sam Cassell (2004) Cedric Ceballos (1995) Tyson Chandler (2013) Len Chappell (1964) Nathaniel Clifton (1957) Derrick Coleman (1994) Jack Coleman (1955) Antonio Davis (2001) Dale Davis (2000) Vlade Divac (2001) James Donaldson (1988) Mark Eaton (1989) Dale Ellis (1989) Ray Felix (1954) Sleepy Floyd (1987) World B. Free (1980) Billy Gabor (1953) Marc Gasol (2012) Chris Gatling (1997) Paul George (2013) Danny Granger (2009) Horace Grant (1994) A.C Green (1990) Rickey Green (1984) Alex Groza (1951) Tom Gugliotta (1997) James Harden (2013) Devin Harris (2009) Bob Harrison (1956) Hersey Hawkins (1991) Walt Hazzard (1968) Roy Hibbert (2012) Tyrone Hill (1995) Jrue Holiday (2013) Lionel Hollins (1978) Jeff Hornacek (1992) Josh Howard (2007) Juwan Howard (1996) Andre Iguodala (2012)

Darrall Imhoff (1967) Kyrie Irving (2013) Dan Issel (1977) Lucious Jackson (1965) Mark Jackson (1989) Steve Johnson (1988) Chris Kaman (2010) Jim King (1978) Andrei Kirilenko (2004) Billy Knight (1977) Sam Lacey (1975) Christian Laettner (1997) Clyde Lee (1968) Reggie Lewis (1992) Brook Lopez (2013) Jamaal Maglore (2004) Kenyon Martin (2004) Jamal Mashburn (2003) Anthony Mason (2001) Xavier McDaniel (1988) Antonio McDyess (2001) Jon McGlocklin (1969) Tom Meschery (1963) Eddie Miles (1966) Mike Mitchell (1981) Steve Mix (1975) Calvin Murphy (1979) Calvin Natt (1985) Jameer Nelson (2009) Joakim Noah (2013) Chuck Noble (1960) Charles Oakley (1994) Mehmet Okur (2007) Ricky Pierce (1991) Jim Price (1975) Theo Ratliff (2001) Michael Redd (2004) Richie Regan (1957) Doc Rivers (1988) Clifford Robinson (1994) Flynn Robinson (1970) Curtis Rowe (1976) Jeff Ruland (1984) Bob Rule (1970) Campy Russell (1979) Cazzie Russell (1972) Woody Sauldsberry (1959) Fred Schaus (1951) Lee Shaffer (1963) Lonnie Shelton (1982) Adrian Smith (1966) Steve Smith (1998)

Rik Smits (1998) John Starks (1994) Don Sunderiage (1954) Wally Szczerbiak (2002) Otis Thorpe (1992) Nick Van Exel (1998) Gerald Wallace (2010) Paul Waither (1952) Kermit Washington (1980) Scott Wedman (1976) Jayson Williams (1998) Mo Williams (2009) Kevin Willis (1992) Metta World Peace (2004) Max Zaslofsky (1952)

APPAREL. Ladies and Gentlemen,

your 2013 adidasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; All-Star uniforms... The Eastern and Western Conference player name uniforms are available now from the NBA store and online.

EPILOGUE.

The (Purple and) Gold Standard. Dr. Jerry Buss Sadly, as All-Star 2013 concluded (and the regular season was about to resume), the Los Angeles Lakers’ long-time owner, DR. Jerry Buss passed away aged 80.

After purchasing the Lakers, their former home, The Forum, and the NHL’s L.A Kings in 1979 for a then record-setting $67.5 million, Buss went to work creating the most envied of success stories. Not only did he help orchestrate the 80s Showtime era, he turned Lakers basketball into an on-going movie premiere. In addition, he oversaw two of the most talented GM’s in Jerry West (who drafted Magic Johnson and James Worthy) and Mitch Kupchak; he enjoyed the champagne shower ten times thanks to Pat Riley and Phil Jackson (five apiece); he turned the Purple and Gold into a global sports brand and he promoted the Laker Girls as a product unto itself. His initial $68 million gamble is now worth $1 billion (according to Forbes) and in the 34 years under his captaincy, the Lakers won 66% of the time and tallied ten banner seasons. As Bill Simmons noted, “[The Lakers] were the hottest ticket in town, the best basketball team of that decade, a team that partied almost as extravagantly as their owner did” but it was Forbes’ editorial contributor, Patrick Rishe, who said it best when he wrote, “Dr. Buss will be remembered as an innovator, a risk-taker, and an entertaining host with a burning competitive passion that didn’t cloud his judgment on key personnel moves.”

Extra special thank you to... my folks, John and Rebecca, who generously funded my All-Star travels (couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have taken this trip without you). Big thanks to Christian Trojan for all his camera work. Special thanks to all the people who made Houston 2013 a memorable 72 hour experience (you all know who you are). See you all in New Orleans, 2014 (fingers crossed). Oh, and hopefully thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be something other than cold beans on offer next time, Mark.