The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

By the time Sunday’s All-Star game had tipped off, Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans had already boarded a flight back for Sacramento. The rookies were unsuccessful in their Saturday events, but without question, the weekend was a victory for not only the pair, but the entire Sacramento Kings franchise.

Casspi took part in the first event of All-Star Saturday Night, the Geico H-O-R-S-E competition. Coached by Charles Barkley, Casspi tried his hand at some impressive trick shots — a shot from atop the scorer’s table, one from just in front of the bleachers and a drop-kick from the free throw line. But all attempts failed. Casspi proved no match for the always sharpshooting Kevin Durant and the surprisingly hot Rajon Rondo. Durant won the competition, as Casspi placed 3rd.

Evans followed up Casspi by participating in the Shooting Stars contest alongside Kings legend Chris Webber and former Sacramento Monarch Nicole Powell. Webber said he hadn’t touched a basketball in nearly three years, and the rust showed. Chosen for the team’s three-point shot, Webber needed seven shots to sink the triple. A half-court make by Powell gave Sacramento momentary hope, but they were soon eliminated.

The Saturday losses took nothing away from the experience for the Kings rookies. Just to be around the spectacle that is All-Star Weekend and hang out with the greatest players in the world will surely benefit the young pair in the future.

And as the two are the key faces in the Sacramento youth movement, it is the Kings who will ultimately reap the rewards of their experience.