Fanshots

Blake Griffin is only days away from taking center stage in his home arena in front of the entire basketball watching world for his first All-Star Weekend. I’m willing to wager that it won’t be a calm event. Griffin has become the “it” boy on the LA basketball scene after what seems like 23 years of Kobe being the man. This weekend Blake will have his chance to win over the city of Los Angeles and whatever basketball fans he hasn’t already put under his spell of wonder and big air.

Griffin will participate Friday in the T-Mobile Rookie-Sophomore Challenge game and will no doubt be the biggest star. Personally I’m excited to see him playing with Washington guard John Wall – but that’s because I love John Wall. The crowd in LA will be firmly behind the Rookies as Griffin and teammate Eric Bledsoe are the only players from either the Lakers or Clippers playing in the game. Now, with a lot more to come in the weekend for Blake don’t be surprised if he doesn’t jump through the roof more than once in the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge. He’s got to save some gas.

Saturday night may be the most anticipated when it comes to Griffin at this year’s All-Star festivities. And that is because of the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Blake will square off against Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka, Washington’s JaVale McGee and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan in the glamour event. DeRozan was a finalist in the 2010 event which should give him a little push this time around. It also helps both his and Griffin’s cause that the other 2 contestants are not household names. Griffin will be the clear favorite in the event. With fan voting used to help determine the winner I do not see many scenarios where he loses the Dunk Contest. With that said, I do expect some huge dunks from the Clippers rookie. Do not be surprised if we see him come out big to start with a 50 on his first dunk.

Lastly, Blake Griffin will participate in the 60th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday. His playing time will likely depend on how much effort Griffin has expended during the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge and Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Nobody wants to see this kid get hurt or to burn himself out during a weekend of exhibitions. Think about the possibilities for a minute though. Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook will all have the chance to lob a ball or 2 near the rim for Blake. He will be able to soar through the paint with the All-Star Game minimum defense “rule” and the crowd will come to their feet and fist pumping like Bill Simmons.

There is no denying that this is the weekend of Blake Griffin in LA. This is his worldwide coming out party. Yes, Kobe will be there as a Laker, LBJ, D-Wade and Chris Bosh will represent the Heat and Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will all be there as Celtics. But in the end it will be Blake that shines brightest as the newest young star in The Association.

Set your DVR, get your popcorn ready and call your friends. This is going to be a weekend that has Blake Griffin front and center. Don’t be surprised if you see his name trending on Twitter more than once.

Enjoy!