By Josh Cohen
January 5, 2012
ORLANDO -- Like one of my favorite all-time WWE characters, The Rock, would say, “Finally, NBA All-Star Weekend Has Come Back to Orlando!” (WATCH WWE CLIP FOR EXAMPLE)
Yes, it’s been 20 years since Orlando last hosted the midseason classic and just like it was then when Magic Johnson exhibited one of the most spectacular performances in sports history, this year’s All-Star extravaganza will definitely produce some treasured pageantry.
Everyone has a different event they most look forward to leading up to All-Star Weekend. For some, it’s the electrifying Sprite Slam Dunk contest, for others it’s watching up-and-coming talent showcase their skills in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge and for few it’s all the side attractions and musical performances.
But, naturally, the grand finale is what allows the entire weekend to be so admired. The All-Star Game, featuring the best athletes in the world, is must-watch entertainment.
Part of what makes this game so alluring is that the fans have the opportunity to decide who will participate.
And for someone like me, who has an obsession for predicting things, I get the chance to try and forecast who I suspect will be competing in the All-Star Game.
Though we are just 11 days into the regular season, I already have begun my projections.
Up until the official announcement of which players will earn a spot in the All-Star Game, I will frequently foretell whom I conjecture to be named All-Stars for each conference.
Part of my assessment is past performance, especially since there isn’t much of a foundation this season. While some players have gotten off to surprisingly fantastic starts, it may be a bit unmerited to exclude proven superstars considering their full body of work.
I predict who I suspect the starters and reserves will be. I also list some players who deserve consideration to be named an All-Star, but because of a deficient amount of space on each roster, they have to be snubbed out. And finally, I mention players who based on their career resume should be considered, but haven't quite done enough recently to definitely earn a spot.
After reviewing whom I expect – as of right now – to partake in the All-Star Game, make sure you go and vote on the All-Star Ballot presented by Sprint for whom you believe should compete in the game.
WHO'S STARTING
WHO'S IN (RESERVES)
ON THE BUBBLE
WHO'S DESERVING BUT DEFINITELY OUT
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