Earl Boykins, the diminutive point guard of the hometown Denver Nuggets, returns after finishing third in last year's competition. Boykins is joined by Washington's Gilbert Arenas, Phoenix's All-Star guard Steve Nash and Seattle's Luke Ridnour.
NBA.com caught up with the four participants on Friday to get the inside scoop on the competition.
Q: How do you think you will perform in the skills challenge.
Arenas: I told Earl that I need the money more than he does. I need to see it before I can give a prediction. Shooting and dribbling I can do, but passing into a little hole, I am not sure I can do that yet. But I will do my best and most likely I will come out with the win.
Q: What does it mean to be here playing amongst the best in the world?
Arenas: It is exciting, I think I have only slept about 10 hours since I was named to the All-Star team. I grew up watching these All-Star games and now people are watching me. Truthfully, if they do not play me one minute, I will still be excited and happy that I made it here. .
Q: What are you looking forward to most this weekend?
Arenas: I am just happy about all this. You know, I was picked 31 (in the draft). You can never expect this. Come on, I am not even going to lie. I am just happy to be here.
Q: What is your expectation for the Skills Challenge?
Boykins: I expect it to be a good competition. I think the other three participants are very good and have great basketball skills and great point guard skills so I expect it to be a great competition.
Q: Have you practiced for the skills competition?
Boykins: No I haven't, no.
Q: Is the skills competition one of those things that you go out there initially just looking to have a good time, but when the competition heats up you get a little more serious?
Boykins: Yes. At first everyone is fun and games until you are actually on the clock and then it becomes competitive.
Q: Outside of yourself, who do you think will win?
Boykins: Gilbert. I think he is a lot faster than people think. He is the wildcard.
Q: What does it mean to you to be able to play in front of your home crowd?
Boykins: It’s great because you have an advantage. Participants from the host city always have an advantage. They know the city and they know the arena, so I am looking definitely forward to it.
Q: Do you think the Skills Challenge will be fun?
Nash: Well, I am just doing my part. That is about it, I am being a company man.
Q: Is this weekend much of a break for you, is it fun?
Nash: This weekend is both. It is a bit of a break and a lot of fun, but it is a lot of work too. We are not on a beach somewhere, there are a lot of obligations and it is not only about going out and playing ball.
Q: A lot of people are considering you for an MVP candidate. What are your thought s about that?
Nash: It is just flattering. It is almost like winning by just being mentioned. I was offered one college scholorship and to be considered an MVP candidate is fun and flattering and I am just enjoying it and enjoying my team.
Q: What are your thoughts about the Skills Competition?
Ridnour: I'm gonna have fun. I've never done it before, so it's a good chance to get out there and run around and hopefully do alright on it.
Q: Any particular part of the event that worries you?
Ridnour: No, not really. I think it's all pretty much just what a point guard does, so I'm looking forward to just going out there and doing it all and having some fun.
Q: How does it feel to be involved in your first All-Star Weekend?
Ridnour It is really cool to be a part of this and be down here. This is the first time for me so I get a chance to learn what it is all about. I get a chance to meet a lot of knew people and it really fun and I am excited about it.
