All-Star Weekend: Where the Stars Shine and the Rim Gets Rocked
Saturday night at All-Star Weekend has always been about flash, finesse, and a little bit of flair. It’s the one night where the league’s best shooters and high-flyers take center stage-not to chase wins, but to put on a show. And this year, the stage is stacked.
The three-point contest is once again loaded with firepower. Past champions Damian Lillard and Devin Booker headline an eight-man field that promises to turn the arc into a heat zone.
Lillard’s deep-range confidence and Booker’s smooth, repeatable stroke make them the names to watch, but in a contest like this, anyone can catch fire. It’s not just about mechanics-it’s about rhythm, timing, and handling the pressure when the rack is running low and the clock’s ticking.
But it’s not all about the long ball. The dunk contest is back, and as always, it’s a chance for the league’s most explosive athletes to defy gravity and imagination. Expect creativity, power, and a few moments that’ll have everyone reaching for the replay button.
There’s also a nostalgic twist this year with the return of the Shooting Stars event, making its first appearance since 2015. Replacing the Skills Challenge, this fan-favorite format brings together NBA players, WNBA stars, and legends of the game for a fast-paced, team-based shooting contest that blends fun with just enough competitive edge. It’s a nod to the past, and a reminder that All-Star Weekend is as much about honoring the league’s roots as it is about showcasing its future.
Expansion on the Horizon: Seattle and Vegas Still in the Lead
Behind the scenes, the business of basketball is moving just as fast. Expansion talk is gaining serious traction, and all eyes are on this summer’s NBA Board of Governors meeting, where a potential vote could finally take place.
The league’s spring meeting is expected to be a pivotal checkpoint-an opportunity to gather more data, weigh the pros and cons, and assess market readiness. While some team owners had hoped to vote earlier, the timeline has been extended to allow for deeper discussion. That’s not a delay-it’s a sign the league is taking this seriously.
Seattle and Las Vegas remain the frontrunners, as they have for years. Seattle, with its passionate fan base and rich basketball history, has long been seen as a city ready to reclaim its place in the league. Las Vegas, meanwhile, continues to build its profile as a major sports hub, with infrastructure, investment, and momentum on its side.
Nothing’s official yet, but the drumbeat is getting louder. Expansion isn’t just a possibility anymore-it’s starting to feel inevitable.
Bulls Sign Dunk Contest Star McClung to Two-Way Deal
In a move that blends showmanship with substance, the Chicago Bulls have signed three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung to a two-way contract. It’s the latest chapter in McClung’s grind to earn a full-time NBA role-and it’s a testament to his persistence.
At 27, McClung has had chances to cash in overseas, but he’s stayed the course in the G League, betting on himself and his dream of sticking in the NBA. That bet just paid off-at least in part.
“This is where my heart’s at,” McClung said. “You can’t keep telling me no forever.”
It’s hard not to root for a guy like that. He’s more than just a dunk contest highlight reel-he’s a competitor who’s putting in the work to turn viral moments into a lasting career. And now, with the Bulls giving him a shot, the next chapter begins.
All-Star Weekend is about talent, flair, and dreams realized. For McClung, and maybe for a few other names this weekend, it’s also about proving that the show can lead to something more.