The NBA All-Star Weekend kicked off last night with the debut of the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge. A modification of the Rookie-Sophomore format of the past, the Rising Stars Game saw two teams drafted by NBA Legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. While fans anticipated the 3-headed monster of Jeremy Lin, Blake Griffin and Ricky Rubio on Team Shaq, Team Chuck ended up taking home the gold, winning 146-133. There was no shortage of monster jams and alley-oop dunks as the future of the NBA was on full display. In a pool of young stars, 5 guys in particular stood out to me.
1. Kyrie Irving, rookie, Cleveland Cavaliers-
This one’s a no brainer. Irving racked up 34 points on 12-13 shooting from the field and a staggering 8-8 from behind the arc, earning him MVP honors. This performance was one of the best the Rookie-Sophomore game has ever seen. The momentum of Irving’s rookie campaign was in full swing on Friday, and at 18.1 PPG and 5.1 APG, Irving is well on pace to capture the Rookie of the Year honors as well.
This one’s a no brainer. Irving racked up 34 points on 12-13 shooting from the field and a staggering 8-8 from behind the arc, earning him MVP honors. This performance was one of the best the Rookie-Sophomore game has ever seen. The momentum of Irving’s rookie campaign was in full swing on Friday, and at 18.1 PPG and 5.1 APG, Irving is well on pace to capture the Rookie of the Year honors as well.
2. John Wall, sophomore, Washington Wizards-
While Kyrie Irving took home MVP honors, John Wall gets my vote for the MEP (Most Entertaining Player). John Wall came into this game with a chip on his shoulder after he fell to the 10th overall pick in Shaq and Chuck’s draft. Wall was the MVP of last year’s game, so you knew he wouldn’t be shy in this one. Coming into this game I knew that John Wall had some above average hops for a point guard, but after the game, I realized that he’s easily one of the top 5 dunkers in the entire NBA. Whether it was his one-handed alley-oop throw down, or his behind-the-back jam, his superman hops were well on display. Heck, he even showed some defense in a game devout of any after he swatted Miami’s Norris Cole. As Kenny “The Jet” said, the NBA needs to get this guy in the dunk contest.
While Kyrie Irving took home MVP honors, John Wall gets my vote for the MEP (Most Entertaining Player). John Wall came into this game with a chip on his shoulder after he fell to the 10th overall pick in Shaq and Chuck’s draft. Wall was the MVP of last year’s game, so you knew he wouldn’t be shy in this one. Coming into this game I knew that John Wall had some above average hops for a point guard, but after the game, I realized that he’s easily one of the top 5 dunkers in the entire NBA. Whether it was his one-handed alley-oop throw down, or his behind-the-back jam, his superman hops were well on display. Heck, he even showed some defense in a game devout of any after he swatted Miami’s Norris Cole. As Kenny “The Jet” said, the NBA needs to get this guy in the dunk contest.
3. Paul George, sophomore, Indiana Pacers-
While we’re on the subject of dunk contests, this guy’s already in one. And on Friday, George proved to be a worthy participant. George was the game’s second-highest scorer with 23 points and he rained in dunks from all over the place, including his best Blake Griffin Honey-Dip impression. George showed off his full arsenal of skills, using a wicked spin-move to fly past Detroit’s Greg Monroe. Tune in tonight to see George take flight in the Sprite NBA dunk contest.
While we’re on the subject of dunk contests, this guy’s already in one. And on Friday, George proved to be a worthy participant. George was the game’s second-highest scorer with 23 points and he rained in dunks from all over the place, including his best Blake Griffin Honey-Dip impression. George showed off his full arsenal of skills, using a wicked spin-move to fly past Detroit’s Greg Monroe. Tune in tonight to see George take flight in the Sprite NBA dunk contest.
4. Ricky Rubio, rookie, Minnesota Timberwolves-
The Spaniard finally made his arrival onto the NBA scene this season, and the Rising Stars game showcased his skills to the entire nation. Rubio displayed his well-rounded ability with his Maravich-esque behind-the-back passes and his smooth crossovers. The highlight of the night might have been his schoolyard dribble through the legs of Sacramento’s Demarcus Cousins that led to an alley-oop pass to Blake Griffin. Rubio also utilized his mesmerizing ball fakes to get to the bucket. The sky is the limit for this kid and we should all look forward to the next 10+ years of him in this league.
The Spaniard finally made his arrival onto the NBA scene this season, and the Rising Stars game showcased his skills to the entire nation. Rubio displayed his well-rounded ability with his Maravich-esque behind-the-back passes and his smooth crossovers. The highlight of the night might have been his schoolyard dribble through the legs of Sacramento’s Demarcus Cousins that led to an alley-oop pass to Blake Griffin. Rubio also utilized his mesmerizing ball fakes to get to the bucket. The sky is the limit for this kid and we should all look forward to the next 10+ years of him in this league.
5. Demarcus Cousins, sophomore, Sacramento Kings-
Pouring in 11 early points and finishing with a total of 18 points and 11 rebounds, Demarcus Cousins used his size to get his team the W. Cousins came out very aggressive and motivated, which is not always a given when it comes to him. It was fun watching Demarcus Cousins play care-free basketball where he didn’t need to bark at the refs after every whistle and he was actually excused for jogging back on defense. With his psychological problems not an issue, Cousins finally got to enjoy a game of basketball and use his god-given abilities. His 6’11” 270 lb frame creates a mismatch for almost any defender, especially when he can thrown down alley-oops like this one. As soon as Cousins learns to keep his mouth closed and play with hustle, he will be in the all-star game in no time.
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