New Orleans, Louisiana, a city that has fascinated tourists for generations couldn't buy advertising this good. Hosting basketball's greatest stars for a weekend of events attended by more celebrities at any event other than the Oscar or Grammy awards and watched by millions in 215 countries was a boost in itself. Organizers of New Orleans’ first All-Star game capitalized on the New Orleans “let the good times roll” theme by greeting viewers with a French Quarter-style facade, a New Orleans brass band and “second-line” dancing so contagious that even players couldn't help from bouncing.
Local trumpeters Kermit Ruffins and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews delighted the players and the crowd, backed up by the Rebirth Brass Band, a popular attraction at local bars and clubs for years. Extras danced on the balcony, some dressed in NBA jerseys and many wearing feather boas like those often worn by revelers on Bourbon Street. The national anthem featured saxophone player Branford Marsalis and singer Stephanie Jordan, both New Orleans natives. Debra Cox sang the Canadian national anthem. New Orleans Hornets All-Stars Chris Paul and David West said a few words on the city's behalf. The halftime performance featured a host of famous New Orleans musicians, including singer Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Davell Crawford, Art Neville, Ivan Neville, Jonathan Batiste and Ellis Marsalis, who is the patriarch of the musical Marsalis family and Connick's one-time teacher. The pre-game and halftime entertainment featured the second part of a two-pronged message the NBA sought to send the world about New Orleans. On Friday, the league focused on the neighborhoods that are still reeling 2 1/2 years after Katrina struck. All-Stars joined 2,500 league employees on rebuilding projects. But in addition to sending the message that New Orleans still needs help, commissioner David Stern said the league also wanted to remind the world that the cultural attractions that drive the all-important tourism industry here have endured. "New Orleans is known for its tourism, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Music Festival and all that stuff. So to be able to present itself in such a positive way is really important," Connick said. "A lot of people I know say, 'We've never been to New Orleans and we're afraid to go because it may not be back together.' So when they see this, they know hotels are back, restaurants are back. It's really coming around."
Julius Erving had a sudden flashback as he strolled past a practice court set up in the Louisiana Superdome. Dr. J, who including his years as a player has been to 37 straight All-Star weekends, played before a then-record setting single-game crowd of 35,077 in a game against the New Orleans Jazz in 1977. The Jazz played in New Orleans for five seasons from 1974 to 1979 before moving to Utah, playing their final four seasons in the Superdome. The Jazz never made the playoffs. But with “Pistol” Pete Maravich, a former LSU star, making circus shots and passes, attendance in the dome met or exceeded league averages in three of those seasons.
As usual, the All-Star game was a star-studded affair not only on the court but in the stands. Those making VIP entrances on a red carpet included governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and other celebs such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, Chris Rock, Terry Crews, Ludacris and Jimmy "Jam" Harris. With the game being in New Orleans, however, former Saints quarterback Archie Manning, father of Peyton and Eli, was treated like the biggest star if them all. The crowd erupted when his face appeared on the scoreboard video screen. Who heard boos? Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens.
Carlton Lockett, a 15 year old liver transplant patient who was a guest of the NBA and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, had a surprise for Dwight Howard. When the Orlando center, who won Saturday's slam dunk contest after donning a Superman outfit complete with a red cape, met Lockett, the youngster from Cleveland busted into his own "Superman" move made famous by Soulja Boy's popular "Crank Dat" song. "I showed him how to do it," said the excited youngster. Lockett and three other sick youngsters got a chance to visit with all the players before Sunday's game. The biggest thrill for Lockett was when he got to meet Allen Iverson, his all-time favorite.
Dwight Howard's sensational display of athleticism and imagination in the slam dunk contest, highlighted by a dunk while donning the Man of Steel's cape, and was still being talked about Sunday. Both All-Star coaches compared it to Vince Carter’s acrobatic performance in 2000. "The dunks that he did last night, I thought I would never see some of those dunks," Western Conference coach Byron Scott said. "You just don't see guys that tall and that big having that type of athleticism.” Though the Superman dunk got the most attention, it may not even have been Howard's most impressive one. Boston All-Star Kevin Garnett was impressed by Howard's next one, when he caught up to a long bounce pass he threw to himself, leaped and tapped the ball off the backboard with one hand, then threw it down with the other. Garnett and East coach Doc Rivers also praised the performance of runner-up Gerald Green, whose dunks included one while blowing out a candle on a cupcake resting on the rim. "Dwight put on a show that we've not seen very often," Rivers said. "I think it's very similar to what Vince Carter did as an individual in the dunk contest.
Cleveland’s LaBron James was given the Most Valuable Player trophy, although Boston’s Ray Allen was truly deserving of the award, even LaBron himself said so. Then there was Kobi Bryant (did I here somebody say the new attitude Kobi?). I don’t think so. Why didn’t he sit out the game and let someone else get to play in what might be their only chance to experience this. He was hurt and only was in the game a couple of minutes. Share the spotlight playa. We know who you are. The NBA did an outstanding job. The NFL is moving the Pro Bowl from Hawaii, and maybe they should pick up in New Orleans where the NBA left off.
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