| By Tony Mejia |
| What is it? Four contestants will try to work their way through an obstacle course of dribbling, passing and shooting stations in the fastest time. The two players who fare best in the opening round square off in the final. |
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| Deron Williams was flawless in the final round in setting an all-time record time. (AP) |
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| What it is: The new-school way to score some bragging rights. Since the dunk contest has seen its best years and is skipped by most of the league's elite players, this has become the en vogue showcase of true talent. Fundamentals are making a comeback. Well, at the very least, someone is trying to make them cool again. |
| Three-peat: Almost two decades after his current coach trademarked the term, Dwyane Wade seeks a three-peat of his own in this event. Conventional wisdom dictates the Heat would be better off with him in control of their up-tempo offense now that Shaq is gone and Shawn Marion on board. What better way for Wade to show he's up to the challenge than to knock off Jason Kidd, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, three of the league's top point guards? |
| Old Kidd on the block Kidd, who won the inaugural Skills Challenge in 2003, is nearly nine years older than Wade, the next-oldest competitor. No matter -- Kidd has long been proving that he gets better with age. He will be a factor in this competition, regardless of what uniform he wears. |
| Who wins? Williams was upset about being slighted for the All-Star Game and has made it his mission to rub everyone's nose in their mistake of leaving him off. He'll surprise and knock off Wade, Kidd and the hometown favorite, Paul. |
| How'd I do with last year's pick? Took Kobe Bryant, who didn't do so well. |
| Viewing recommendation: Obstacle course races are in style now that American Gladiators made a comeback. This should be far better than the Eliminator. |
