NBA Skills Challenge 2012: Russell Westbrook Leads Field at All-Star Weekend

The NBA's Slam Dunk Contest is all well and good, but the Skills Challenge has become a hot ticket at All-Star Weekend as well. 

On Monday, the NBA released the roster for the 2012 Skills Challenge. It features plenty of big names, meaning hoops fans can expect to see a good show once again.

Via NBA.com, here's the list of participants for this year's skills challenge:

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Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors 

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

John Wall, Washington Wizards

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets

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Stephen Curry won the Skills Challenge in 2011. He'll attempt to become the third two-time winner in the event's brief history, joining Steve Nash and Dwyane Wade. Given what we know about Curry's skill set, he's a legit threat to get the job done.

You also can't rule out Tony Parker and Deron Williams. Both of them are savvy veterans and they are also two of the most technically sound point guards in the league. And remember, Williams has already won this thing before.

However, the most exciting player on the list has to be Russell Westbrook. He's not dishing the rock as frequently this season as he has in the past, but no one can really question that Westbrook is having his finest season yet this year. He could easily take home the title.

The Skills Challenge will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, a day before the All-Star Game.