The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off Feb. 11 in Dallas and for the first time since 2004, Sacramento figures to be represented in the week’s activities. The All-Star game may be a long shot, but several Kings have a chance to participate in the other contests.

Jason Thompson should be one of three Kings playing in the Rookie/Sophomore Game come All-Star Weekend. (Photo courtesy Greg Ashman)

Rookie/Sophomore Game – The Kings haven’t had a player in this game since 2002 when Hedo Turkoglu represented Sacramento on the Sophomore team. This season, three players appear to be locks. Tyreke Evans and Omri Casspi are two of the best rookies this season and should start. On the Sophomore side, Jason Thompson, who is 3rd among second year players in rebounds, figures to make the team. Donte Greene might have a tougher time cracking the roster, but a good final month could put him in the mix.

Three-Point Contest – With Omri Casspi likely already in Dallas to play in the rookie/sophomore game, he may get the nod to participate in the long distance shootout. Casspi is currently 4th in the NBA in 3-pt. FG%, knocking down 47.1% of his attempts from downtown. Peja Stojakovic was the last Kings player to compete in the three-point contest, losing to Voshon Lenard in 2004 after winning the previous two years.

Slam Dunk Contest – Donte Greene has already said he will be in Dallas to support his teammates whether he’s in any contests or not. Because the Slam Dunk Contest is usually avoided by the bigger names, Greene could potentially earn a spot in the competition just for being there, not to mention his penchant for athletic dunks. The Kings last representative in the dunk contest was Gerald Wallace in 2002.

All-Star Game – Despite the late Omri Casspi campaign and a stellar first two months from Tyreke Evans, Sacramento will likely be shutout from the All-Star Game. The Western Conference is filled to the brim with talent and the guard situation will be even trickier for Evans if Tracy McGrady is voted to start the game by fans. In time, Evans can earn his spot, but for now, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Deron Williams and Chris Paul appear to have him beat. So in all likelihood, the Kings all-star game drought will stretch to six years – Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic were reserves on the 2004 squad.

The Kings young talent will be on full display in Dallas, and it will be a welcome sight for a franchise so used to being left out of all-star festivities.