Epic Carnival: COOL SPORTS SH!T: NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND

by Chris Richardson, Intentional Foul

If you haven't noticed, I changed the title of this week's post a little in an effort to celebrate the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend, of which, you can consider me a fan. I love the dunk contest, the 3-point contest and the rookie/sophomore challenge because it does a great job of showcasing what it is that makes the NBA great: talented players showing off their abilities.

While the NBA may take a beating in popularity, I defy anyone to show me a skill level that trumps the Michael Jordans, Dominique Wilkinses, Vince Carters and Larry Birds of the world, but it's not only that. You must also find these competing skill-sets being displayed with the same flair the NBA provides.

Simple. You can't.

So with that, let's take a trip down memory lane and see some of the activities that made All-Star weekend so enjoyable.

'Nique versus Jordan
Yes, the dunk-off that solidified the dunk contest's place on the map. These two aerial warriors displayed some of the best dunks ever in a contest not provided by Spud Webb or Vince Carter. Enjoy:

Speaking of Vinsanity, this little collection is just incredible. I only wish he'd play like that now.

Sorry for the bad James Bond theme thing going on in the background. I'll never understand why people feel the need to show their software manipulation abilities by putting horrible music over the top of great videos. It really cheapens the whole thing... but I digress.

Larry Legend's Finger
Larry Bird announced his arrival at the 1987 Long Distance Shootout by asking the other participants who was coming in second place. And then he proceeded to back up his words with a sterling final round, capped by him holding his index finger in the air, announcing his dominance. Brilliant stuff:

Spud Webb Stands Tall
In 1986, the 5-7 Spud Webb took the world by storm with his incredible display of jumping ability in the slam dunk contest. As the video tells you, no one expected Spud to do much at all, let alone compete (or win). Well, Spud answered the call. And then some.

Jordan's reaction at the 1:16 mark says it all.

Folks, it's videos like these that remind me of why I started loving the NBA to begin with. As long as we don't have any more Chris Andersen missing eight dunks in a row, we'll be alright. Of course, had the NBA never changed the rule to allow that many misses, this never would've been a problem.

Finally, in case you are wondering if the lack of star power will hurt in this year's dunk contest, I ask you to look no further than the Desmond Mason/Jason Richardson between the legs dunks of the 2003 contest... and I don't think either is in the same lineage as Jordan or Wilkins.