Sports

KING OF THE COURT

BY ALEXANDRA CALAMARI

NBA champion-turned-sports analyst Kenny Smith gives us a look inside the 57th annual All-Star Game.

THIS MONTH, East will battle West at the 57th annual All-Star Game in New Orleans. Calling the shots, dunks and field goals will be the Emmy Award-winning cast of TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” Announcer Kenny “The Jet” Smith lends his expertise for a special preview of the weekend’s events.

What makes the All-Star Game exciting?

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. No matter how many times you’ve been… there are different players, so it’s a different experience each year. When you have all the best players in the world in one venue, I think that it creates a dynamic that no one has ever seen until you’re actually there. Also, the history of the game is there—the great players are always coming back. It’s like a walking trading card show.”

What can fans look forward to beyond the game itself?

“There are lots of ancillary events. The NBA Jam session for kids is particularly great.

I actually do a nighttime event that’s gotten pretty popular; it brings together 2,000 of my closest friends. There are also so many goodwill events organized by Feed the Children and NBA Cares.”

What makes this year’s All-Star Game special?

“It’s contributing to the resurgence of New Orleans. [The city] holds a special place in my heart after Katrina.”

What’s the best way to impress the judges during the slam-dunk competition?

“The first thing you look for is uniqueness, which is difficult at this time since there have been so many competitions. But a flare for showmanship is big. What you do before and after your dunk, your enthusiasm for what you’re doing is more important than the skill of the dunk itself.”

What’s the best dunk you’ve ever seen?

“The best dunk was probably Michael Jordan’s famous free throw dunk when he was leaning, looking like Superman flying towards the basket. But as far as the most enthusiastic dunk goes, Vince Carter had the building in a frenzy in Oakland. I’ve never seen a building that loud for something that wasn’t a game.”

What do you prefer: your championship rings or your Emmy Awards?

“Well, I’ve been blessed to win two championships in the NBA with the Rockets and now two Emmys. I guess I know how to find the right teams! But I’d have to say the ring because I worked harder to become a basketball player than I did to become an announcer.”

SPORTING EVENT CALENDAR

FEB. 14

HEAT VS. BULLS
1901 W Madison St
Chicago

Say happy Valentine’s Day alongside Shaq, Dwayne Wade and Luol Deng as the Miami Heat brave the Bulls and the cold weather in Chicago. It’s your last chance for some basketball action before the All-Star Game Feb. 17.

FEB. 23

TENNESSEE VS. MEMPHIS
FedExForum
Memphis

The University of Tennessee takes on the highly regarded Memphis Tigers in this heated basketball battle for supremacy of the Volunteer State. With Chris Lofton and Chris Douglas-Roberts going head to head, the game is sure to be hotter than Commissary’s barbecue sauce.

MARCH 3

DUCKS VS. SENATORS
Honda Center Anaheim

Don’t miss this rematch of the 2007 Stanley Cup championship as the Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators meet for the first time since the Ducks claimed the precious goblet after winning game five on June 6, 2007.