NBA All-Star Weekend 2012: Predictions on Who'll Win Dunk Contest, 3-Point Shoot

For just a single weekend out of the year, the NBA’s most dazzling dunkers, gifted three-point shooters, young up-and-comers and dominating overall players will descend upon the city of Orlando.

Aside from watching Kobe Bryant attempt to win yet another All-Star MVP award (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011) in the All-Star game, the hype of the weekend always skyrockets Saturday for the Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Contest.

This year’s contestants include:

Dunk Contest: Paul George (Pacers), Derrick Williams (Timberwolves), Chase Budinger (Rockets), Jeremy Evans (Jazz).

Three-Point Contest: Mario Chalmers (Heat), James Jones (Heat), Ryan Anderson (Magic), Kevin Love (Timberwolves), Anthony Murrow (Nets).

My Picks: Derrick Williams, Kevin Love

At the ripe age of just 20 years old, Derrick Williams knows that winning the Dunk Contest could jump start his already budding career in the NBA. Have you seen this guy dunk? Williams gets up in the air so quickly and so high that it’s like he’s got springs in his legs.

Williams undeniably has the athleticism, but he will need to blend it with some creativity to take home the win.

When Kevin Love finds his rhythm from behind the arc, he’s as unshakable as the most elite shooters from the three-point line. Although he’s become known for his catch-and-shoot style, he’s terrific at adapting to the conditions of competition and he thrives under pressure.

The Three-Point Contest will be his bread and butter.

While each player in the two contests has the potential to put on a terrific show, the unavoidable truth is that neither group has the star-power typically associated with All-Star weekend. There will be no sign of Blake Griffin’s massive, sky-high dunks or Ray Allen’s sweet stroke from behind the arc.

Ultimately, it’s as much of a detriment to both events that there is no clear-cut favorite as they are now brimming with intrigue to see who will separate themselves from the pack.

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