Wolves’ All-Star Predictions

Wolves' 3-point Shootout Picks
The Contestants
Mike Bibby (Hawks)
Daequan Cook (Heat)
Danny Granger (Pacers)
Jason Kapono (Raptors)
Rashard Lewis (Magic)
Roger Mason (Spurs)

Mike Miller's Pick
"I will have to go with Jason Kapono. I just think he is a pure shooter, he has proven in the past that he can perform on that stage."

Is it an advantage to be a set shooter?
"Set shooter is more of an advantage, unless you can get your shot off quickly. The whole key is to make sure you get your shots off quick and that is an advantage to the set shooter."

Randy Foye's Pick
"Roger Mason."

Ryan Gomes' Pick
"Roger Mason."

Timberwolves.com Pick
"The logical pick is the returning champion, Jason Kapono. He is a pure shooter and scored a record tying, 25 points in one round last year. However, I think Rashard Lewis will knock off Kapono in the 2009 event in Phoenix. At 6-foot-10, Lewis has the ability to shoot from the set position as opposed to exerting a lot of energy from a jump shot. He is a volume shooter and possesses extreme confidence from deep range."

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Wolves' Slam Dunk Contest Picks
The Contestants
Rudy Fernandez (Blazers)
Dwight Howard (Magic)
Nate Robinson (Knicks)
J.R. Smith (Nuggets)

Rodney Carney's Pick
"Now days, a lot of people do the same stuff but you have to be creative. My pick is Dwight Howard because he is creative. Dwight can jump almost from the free throw line, he can take it off the backboard, and he has the windmill dunk."

Could Carney be in the event?
"I could definitely be in the event, I would make it a free throw line contest. I have been a fan of the contest forever. My favorite dunker is Vince Carter; in 2000 he did the craziest stuff I have ever seen in my life."

Randy Foye's Pick (made pick before Rudy Gay was replaced by J.R. Smith)
"Got to roll with my boy Rudy. He is the most versatile in my opinion. I feel like Dwight won off of a fan votes last year because he is the most popular player in the event. As far as talent and performing good dunks, I have to go with Rudy."

Foye's Favorite Event
"If I had to pick my favorite event, it's definitely the dunk contest."

Ryan Gomes' Pick
"You have to go with Dwight Howard. He is very athletic and to be a seven-footer and do things in the air, such as tapping it off the backboard will help him win the event. I think he will bring out something we have never seen before, just like last year. He brings a good attitude and I think he will get the fans into it along with the fans at home because of his personality."

Are you a fan of Saturday night?
"I am a fan of the events on Saturday night. I'm a fan of seeing the individual skills and if you are a participant at the All-Star game, that means you are recognized by the fans and the league. I enjoy watching it, so I make sure to at least catch the dunk contest and 3-point shootout."

Timberwolves.com Pick
"First of all, Dwight Howard is a freak of nature. There has never been a player with his size, strength, and jumping ability in the history of the NBA. Howard also has a great personality for this event. After last year's performance, the crowd will automatically favor Howard and give him the most support. I think J.R. Smith has a chance at a possible upset but Howard is my pick to repeat as dunk champion."

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Top 5 Slam Dunk Contest Moments
5. 2008 - Superman Returns
Dwight Howard put on a Superman cape and launched high in the air to shock the New Orleans crowd. As one of the most entertaining dunk contests in the history of the event, Howard combined pure athletic skills with a variety of impressive dunks for a big man.

4. 1976 - First Free Throw Line Dunk
The ABA hosts the contest and features the Godfather of dunking, Dr. J. Most NBA high-flyers admit that Dr. J and his free throw line dunk in 76' inspired a whole new generation of dunkers. The historic performance became a precursor to the eventual rise of another legendary dunker, Michael Jordan.

3. 1986 - Defining Gravity
At 5-foot-7, Spud Webb shocked the crowd with an incredible array of dunks and even defeated his teammate, Dominique Wilkins.

2. 2000 - Vincanity
Vince Carter is arguably the greatest dunker in the history of the league. After a two-year hiatus, the dunk contest returned to All-Star Weekend in 2000. Carter was absolutely flawless in his performance with the best combination of dunks ever witnessed at the event.

1. 1988 - Showdown In Chi-town
Air Jordan and the Human Highlight Film (Dominique Wilkins) battled for the crown in Chicago. The epic contest came down to the final round when Jordan jumped from the free throw line and recorded a perfect score to capture the title.