OPEN THREAD: 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend- Rookie Soph Game

by Atma Brother ONE on Feb 16, 2007 10:13 AM PST in NBA

It's opening night for the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend! For hoops junkies worldwide, this is like Xmas stretched out over 3 days.

Vegas Baby!!

Here's the schedule for tonight's festivities:

4pm-6pm PST: NBA All-Star Celebrity Game [ESPN]
6pm-8pm PST: Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam [TNT]
8pm PST: Inside the NBA [TNT]

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
Some people say the Dunk Contest has become a joke with no big names slammin' and jammin' on the big stage anymore, but I politely beg to differ. The biggest joke during All-Star weekend in the celeb game. No seriously, it's pretty entertaining and funny in that "we're laughing at you not with you" kinda way. Check out this year's All-All- well All-Something lineup:

East
David Arquette ("In Case of Emergency")
Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile)
Nelly (Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist)
Kevin Frazier (host of "Entertainment Tonight")
Donald Faison ("Scrubs")
Taye Diggs (Rent, Chicago)
Bobby Flay ("Throwdown with Bobby Flay")
Carrot Top (comedian)
Katie Smith (WNBA’s Detroit Shock)
Coach: Tim Legler, ESPN analyst
Asst. Coach – James Pickens Jr. ("Grey’s Anatomy")

West
Jamie Foxx (Ray, Dreamgirls)
James Denton ("Desperate Housewives")
Reggie Bush (NFL’s New Orleans Saints)
Bow Wow (Roll Bounce)
Jamie Kennedy ("Jamie Kennedy Experiment")
Tony Potts (co-anchor of "Access Hollywood")
Nick Cannon (Bobby)
Jonathan Silverman ("In Case of Emergency")
Tamika Catchings (WNBA’s Indiana Fever)
Coach: Greg Anthony, ESPN
Asst. Coach – Wayne Newton ("Grey’s Anatomy")

Let's hope Nick Cannon didn't design the jerseys for the West squad.

Predictions:

Nelly gets hot in here.
Taye Diggs gives the East its groove back.
Jamie Foxx throws down some slow jamz.
Bow Wow sticks his arm in the net like Vince Carter.
Nick Cannon gets wild 'n out.
The West is the best and wins by 6.

Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam
Tonight's main event is of course the Rookie Soph Game in which the representatives from this year's poor draft class face off against the second year studs. Check out the rosters:

Rookies
Andrea Bargnani (Craptors- F)
Jordan Farmar (Fakers- G)
Randy Foye (Timbersmufs- G)
Jorge Garbajosa (Craptors- C)
Rudy Gay aka Tim Hardaway's best buddy (Frizzlies- G)
Paul Milsap (Mormons- F)
Adam Morrison (BETcats- F)
Brandon Roy (Jailblazers No More- G)

Sophomores
Andrew Bogut (What the Buck?- F)
Andre Bynum (Fakers- C)
MONTA ELLIS aka Ellis to the Rim aka The Real Captain Barbosa aka Money Monta (GOLDEN STATE UNSTOPPABLE BABY!!- G)
Raymond Felton (BETcats- G)
Danny Granger (Thank You Indy!- F)
Luther Head (Rox- G)
David Lee (Knickerbockers- F)
Chris Paul (Dropping Like Flies- G)
Deron Williams (Mormons- G)

The Warriors have a rich and illustrious history in the Rookie Game with this memorable list of participants:

Chris Webber (1994)- Good thing he and Nellie were the bestest of buddies.
Clifford Rozier (1995)- The Rookie Game was changed to the Rookie-Sophomore Game soon after this one, so that guys like Clifford Rozier would never be able to say they were part of All-Star Weekend ever again.
Joe Smith (1996)- Common name + common game = BUST
Antawn Jamison (2000)- Aren't you glad the Warriors traded away this future All Star to open up more playing time for Mike Dunleavy? (MISS-stake)
Marc Jackson (2001)- Unstoppable in every way possible.
Jason Richardson (2002, 2003)- M. V. P.!
Gilbert Arenas (2003)- Forget the Hibachi, M. V. P!
Troy Murphy (2003)- The exposure from the Rook-Soph game didn't land him that elusive Charmin commercial, but it did help net him a $60 million dollar deal a year later.
Mike Dunleavy (2004)- Excuses + More Excuses + Even More Excuses = BUST + Funleavy Foto Fun.

It's a big deal that the Warriors have some representation in this year's event. Monta Ellis is a legit rising star and the league has taken notice. The Warriors went 3 years without someone reppin' the Bay in this event and it really had me worried last season, but Monta is definitely money. Continue to expect big things from Monta (from SFGate.com):

"Gotta make the big game now," Ellis said. "Got the little one out of the way."

Also check out loyal GSoM community member KCBS Warrior Fan's diary Good Luck Monta!

Predictions:

Adam Morrison doesn't get a single rebound, assist, steal, or block.
I crack up every time the announcers say "Garbajosa" (yeah, I know it's immature)!
David Lee grabs 20 rebounds.
Sophomores win by 20.
Monta Ellis drops 25+ points and takes home MVP honors.

National Air Time for Monta!

Make sure to give us your predictions in the comments for the opening night festivities for the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend and post any comments you have during the events right here.

Keep it locked on GSoM for more unstoppable coverage of the NBA All-Star festivities all weekend long!

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Comments

DAMN

the west celebrity squad is STACKED. how can the west have reggie bush, and the east not have a legitimate professional athlete, that seems cruel. maybe bush is just HORRIBLE at bball? but i'm gonna go with highly unlikely in that department. the west is just going to smash the east, this could get ugly...

jusgo

by tobin on Feb 16, 2007 10:39 AM PST reply actions

I wonder if the NBA has considered.

Asking Prince to participate in the celebrity challenge...The Celebrity stars against him and the revolution.

"Shoot the J...SHOOT IT!!"

by ThermoElectro on Feb 16, 2007 10:51 AM PST reply actions

Really

Playing that get up on you and scare Tim Hardaway defense! (ok, bad joke at that situation's expense)

What happened to Brian McKnight in the celeb game?

He was the only one who could dribble the ball for more than 3 seconds of shot clock without dropping it, and also had a jumpshot thus taking home the MVP of said celebrities without game, game.

Nelly and Bow Wow need to quit doing this annually. Embarrassing.

Carrot Top to the rim!

-
Monta has some stiff competition to go up against in the 2 guard and swingman competition of the rookies.

Its really a dunk showcase by guards and forwards so how is it going to play out when the Soph's only have the smaller point guards of Paul, Deron Williams, Monta, and Luther 4Head; when the Rookies have Roy, Foye, and Gay?

Also even though turnovers don't matter Monta shouldn't pass the ball, ever. Just take all the shots. Fake a pass in mid motion while going hard towards the hoop!

Throw the ball of Morrison's Cheech and Chong moustache and hit a 3!

by back2back51s on Feb 16, 2007 11:19 AM PST up reply actions

HAHA

good one

by dj fuzzylogic on Feb 16, 2007 5:59 PM PST up reply actions

AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

My favorite all-star event this year (becuz of Monta), and I'm missing it because I have my own playoff game.
GOOD LUCK MONTA!!!!!!!!!! TO THE RIM!

by bradyk2 on Feb 16, 2007 10:58 AM PST reply actions

record it

to be honest, i rarely watch even dub games live. you just have to avoid knbr or espn for a little while. cuts out commercials and having to listen to steinmetz & kuiper(?) during the half.

by the evil monkey on Feb 16, 2007 11:19 AM PST up reply actions

West is stacked

Two pro players? Bush and Tamika Catchings? That's not fair. With it being in Vegas and all, I wonder what the spread is and how much money is going down on that game.

By the way shouldn't it read:
Carrot Top ("comedian")

by Fantasy Junkie on Feb 16, 2007 11:23 AM PST reply actions

Seriously

Is there anyone out there who thinks Carrot Top is funny?

by Atma Brother ONE on Feb 16, 2007 11:38 AM PST up reply actions

Me....

(Hides in a hole.)

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 4:13 PM PST up reply actions

Did Bush secretly get an agent to

stack the West squad? Wouldnt be surprised if that were the case.

Championship Parade Route Starts on Hegenberger

by cobra kai on Feb 16, 2007 12:01 PM PST reply actions

what no Malcom in the Middle?

where's Fast Freddy Muniz? An all star celebrity game without Fast Freddy just ain't the same ;)

Let's Go Oakland! Gas, Brake, Dip.

by OaktownFunk on Feb 16, 2007 12:29 PM PST reply actions

YAWN

The all star weekend is about as exciting as a cheese sandwich, with cheese bread and cheese spread, a side of string cheese and a large cheese juice.

Plus I'm lactose intolerant.

<=>

by Mano de Nada on Feb 16, 2007 2:46 PM PST reply actions

Off Topic

Here's a funny video by Baron.

http://www.seehowtheylive.com/basketball.php

He must've been given free AT&T for life to make this. Pretty bad acting even though Baron has a film production company. I clicked on all the items but couldnt find the secret link.

by DaAzNJRiCh on Feb 16, 2007 3:21 PM PST reply actions

Lol anyone pumped for celebrity All-Star Game?

I am, and Chris Tucker was just announced for the East, and Reggie Bush is on the East, so some of your lineups are wrong.

Go East! Carrottop!

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 4:15 PM PST reply actions

Sorry,

got Reggie Bush and LaDanian Tomlinson confused. I'll go in an even deeper hole now.

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 4:17 PM PST up reply actions

And FYI

Hornets are HOT.

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 4:22 PM PST reply actions

Did anyone check out Hollinger's top 10 sophs?

well, it is pretty ridiculous--monta is #9. I don't get it, 2nd best pts/40min behind diogu (and his 6 minutes a night)...absolutely no respect though..NINTH!? unreal.

RIP mAC dRE aka aNDrE mACAsSi aka MuHaMMeD I-E aka pILL cLinToN

by jmefrisco on Feb 16, 2007 4:28 PM PST reply actions

well it is hollinger

and as has been said on this site many times before, he's a complete and utter idiot. once monta takes home the m.v.p. he'll move up the ladder a bit.

and if you're not watching the celebrity game (i just got home and turned it on), it's 22-12...IN THE THIRD QUARTER!!! ouch.

by AJC3317 on Feb 16, 2007 5:19 PM PST up reply actions

Let me state here:

Carrot Top got ROBBED!

3 minutes of play, had the ball once, while Michael Clark Duncan craps it up the ENTIRE game with 1 FG max and a lot of bricked free throws.

Tim Legler should be FIRED!

Last years game was funnier, better with players like Ice Cube, and had Stephen A. Smith vs. Greg Anthony which was hilarious. I don't liek them very much either, but it was FUNNY.

They did add some flavor thoguh, as the Utah Jazz mascot came in and got a stel, Greg Anthony came in and had a dunk, and lastly Jim Grey got pulled in really randomly and scored almost immediately in suit and tie. The end kept me smiling, even though Carrot Top got robbed!

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 5:48 PM PST reply actions

Jim Gray

had more attitude than T.O., throwing his jersey at people.

by back2back51s on Feb 16, 2007 6:46 PM PST up reply actions

So, rookie sophmore game

and noone is here...I'm going for rookies, simply because the team is so horrible compatred to the sophmores, but I'll still be cheering for a lot of Monta and Chris Paul points.

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 6:19 PM PST reply actions

Uhh

Monta is the fifth guard off the bench. Can you belive that?! Ridiculous! I could understand Chris Paul and Deron Williams ahead of him. But Raymond Felton and Luther Head ahead Monta is just bizarre.

by maybenextyear on Feb 16, 2007 6:37 PM PST reply actions

Hopefully

he didn't get hurt during introductions . . .

by bloodsweatndonuts on Feb 16, 2007 6:38 PM PST reply actions

Monta

4 pts right away!

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 6:40 PM PST reply actions

AND A DUNK

from the assist by Chris Paul!

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 6:41 PM PST reply actions

One shining moment

...for David Lee, whom I'm getting a little sick of. But hey, let's interview him!

by Dactyllic on Feb 16, 2007 6:42 PM PST reply actions

60-36

Sohpmores, this looks like no contest. Only thinks keeping Rookies alive were Morrison and Gay, but they wore out and the Rookie team looks like trash.

But now that Shris Paul and Monta have some chemistry, it brings up an interesting question:

Would we be better off with Chris Paul?

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 6:43 PM PST reply actions

Chris Paul is dirtier then

Crazyass Stevie Action Jax though. Remember his infamous crotch punch on an opposing team's player, a real cheap shot, in his NCAA tourney days?

by back2back51s on Feb 16, 2007 6:50 PM PST up reply actions

3 OOPS in a row!

Go Monta, Boo-urns everyone else.

by back2back51s on Feb 16, 2007 6:43 PM PST reply actions

ANOTHER DUNK FROM MONTA

Any Warrior fan not watching this is truely missing out on a highlight reel of Alley-oops!

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 6:45 PM PST reply actions

Another

Crazy.

And Reggie Miller pulled a Zorgon asking if he was in the dunk contest.

by back2back51s on Feb 16, 2007 6:45 PM PST reply actions

What?

Huh?

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

You wanted

Monta in the Dunk contest.

Reggie Miller said basically the same thing, is this guy in the Dunk Contest?!

by back2back51s on Feb 16, 2007 6:57 PM PST up reply actions

Ooooh

that's what you meant.

Next year, people will SEE!!!!

MONTA IN DUNK CONTEST!!!!

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 7:03 PM PST up reply actions

its raining

MONTA ELLIS!!!!

by ZombieWarrior on Feb 16, 2007 6:45 PM PST reply actions

BOX SCORE

Somebody please post up a box score or link to one at least when the game is over. I'm still stuck at work.

by ssmokinjoe on Feb 16, 2007 6:45 PM PST reply actions

Heres the NBA one:

http://www.nba.com/games/20070216/RKESPH/boxscore.html

but it's not working for me, can't find another one, sorry....

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks

Thanks for the link Z. It's working for me.

by ssmokinjoe on Feb 16, 2007 7:26 PM PST up reply actions

u hear that?

there was a shot of KG and reggie said "now that guy is a warrior"

hes comin to the warriors baby!! wishful thinking

by djchuckdeez on Feb 16, 2007 6:48 PM PST reply actions

77-48

Sophmores at HALF. This is like a Team USA versus Mongolia game.

Deron Williams hed a couple of deep THREEZ, and that showed mad SKILLZ, heard from ZORGONZ.

And if you don't want to watch just cause it's a blowout, watch because of the Monta Alley-oops!

by Zorgon on Feb 16, 2007 6:50 PM PST reply actions

Man,

Monta is truth. Must say, Chris Paul was awfully unselfish and gave all those dimes to him though. The frick is Luther Head getting off the bench before Monta for?

by mistererickk on Feb 16, 2007 6:53 PM PST reply actions

Not even bench

Luther 4head started.

Monta didn't get in 'til about 5 mins to go in the half, outscored him in about 2 trips down.

by back2back51s on Feb 16, 2007 6:56 PM PST up reply actions

monta goin crazy

i have a feeling he won't be the last player off the bench in the second half. he should easily pass lee for the points lead and take home the mvp.

by AJC3317 on Feb 16, 2007 6:54 PM PST reply actions

MONTA!

Man 14 points in about 5 minutes. That's crazy.

Chris Paul has a million assists and a thousand steals.

And the Rookies are just plain embarrasing

by Fantasy Junkie on Feb 16, 2007 6:56 PM PST reply actions

in crunch time

the lineup BETTER be

Chris Paul
Monta Ellis
Deron Williams
David Lee
Danny Granger

every other sophomore is playing like trash.

by ZombieWarrior on Feb 16, 2007 7:06 PM PST reply actions

morrison

got some ugly game. but so do most of the rookies. brandon roy game either looks THAT smooth or he must be hella bored out there. who do you think had the tightest dunks tonite? that rudy gay one was nutso.

by dj fuzzylogic on Feb 16, 2007 7:30 PM PST reply actions

Rookie Class is Weak

Luvin' the sophomores though!

I was serious about the sophomores by 20.

by Atma Brother ONE on Feb 16, 2007 7:32 PM PST reply actions

Monta

How's Ellis doing so far? Who looks like the favorite for MVP so far?

by ssmokinjoe on Feb 16, 2007 7:35 PM PST reply actions

monta or cp3

id go with cp3 but monta is reppin fasho'

gdubb

by gogomaplata on Feb 16, 2007 7:40 PM PST reply actions

monta or cp3

monta has been the most exciting

gdubb

by gogomaplata on Feb 16, 2007 7:43 PM PST reply actions

David Lee

he has 30pts and 11 boards right now. Plus 4 assists.

by ssmokinjoe on Feb 16, 2007 7:45 PM PST reply actions

Also he pulled a Biedrins

no misses from the field or line.

by back2back51s on Feb 16, 2007 7:48 PM PST up reply actions

Monta

would've brought the house DOWN with that last one, too bad he hit the back of the rim...

by mistererickk on Feb 16, 2007 7:47 PM PST reply actions

david lee or cp3

cp3 got 1 assist short of a tripple double... but david lee has a better chance then monta if you think of it... all i know is that monta was the most exciting and looked the most promising to me...

gdubb

by gogomaplata on Feb 16, 2007 7:47 PM PST reply actions

david lee or cp3

correction... cp3 WAS 1 STEAL SHORT

gdubb

by gogomaplata on Feb 16, 2007 7:48 PM PST reply actions

david lee

not gonna say he doesn't deserve it but come on, all he did was hang around the basket. monta and cp3 were the ones makin it all happen

by AJC3317 on Feb 16, 2007 7:49 PM PST reply actions

its a conspiracy!!!!

just like steve nash winning back to back mvp's!!! damn u mr stern!!!!!

gdubb

by gogomaplata on Feb 16, 2007 7:50 PM PST reply actions

Chris Paul

They should've tried to get him that trip-dub somehow

by ssmokinjoe on Feb 16, 2007 7:51 PM PST reply actions

David Lee. That's weak.

He just stood under the basket. It's supposed to be an exhibition, not some slow dude practicing layups. Anyone else think he looks like he's 35?

by bloodsweatndonuts on Feb 16, 2007 7:54 PM PST reply actions

AT LEAST

35!!

<=>

by Mano de Nada on Feb 16, 2007 9:29 PM PST up reply actions

Monta's final line

21 minutes
28 points (13-16 FG, 1-1 FT)
2 reb
1 ast
1 stl
2 to

Crap, I wish I could have watched! MVP or no, seems like our boy repped us pretty good. David Lee ... well he did go 14-14 floor, 30 pts, 11 boards. Still: anyone who watches the game knows Monta's star is shining way brighter than David Lee's. Chris Paul is the only guy in that whole game I would even consider taking over Ellis TTR.

As for Paul and Monta together ... now that would just be sick. Baron, Cabbages, and MP3 for CP3?

by Sleepy Freud on Feb 16, 2007 8:11 PM PST reply actions