Hoops Habit
Fansided

Grading each event from the NBA’s 2020 All-Star weekend in Chicago

By Jono Perilli

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #24 of Team Giannis dribbles the ball while being guarded by LeBron James #2 of Team LeBron in the first quarter during the 69th NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on February 16, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #24 of Team Giannis dribbles the ball while being guarded by LeBron James #2 of Team LeBron in the first quarter during the 69th NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on February 16, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Ruffles Celebrity Game

Before I get abused for talking about the Ruffles Celebrity Game, it’s still apart of the All-Star weekend, don’t fight me.

Coming into this year’s celebrity game, many fans had no knowledge of who half of the “celebrities” actually were. We were given a lineup full of B and C grade celebrities, as usual. Personally, I only knew half and the rest were completely unknown to me, yet there was still a level of excitement in me. If you rightfully didn’t tune in, the celebrity game lineup is below. Good luck trying to name a quarter of these guys:

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1228408724395569152?s=20

It was actually interesting to see some former NBA studs in there like Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson. We had some celebrities return, like last year’s MVP Famous Los and 2K’s Digital Marketing Director, Ronnie2K. Some nameable celebrities were in there like Common, Quavo, Hannibal Buress and Chance The Rapper, but overall this year’s lineup was quite average, to say the least. Although, we did get to see Stephen A. Smith coach, which is always going to hilarious.

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

How did it go?

The game, much like the lineup, was mostly average. It didn’t feel that refreshing to watch uncoordinated celebrities attempt to play a game of basketball, but there were some good moments. The change and implementation of new rules was a good decision, such as the minigames during the quarter break to determine a reward for one team. Those rewards were a fun inclusion to the match, especially the half-time minigame where both teams got to gain an NBA legend for their team, which ended up being Chicago Bulls’ legend, Horace Grant.

It was also quite enjoyable watching some of the celebrities and wondering “Who knew that they were actually decent at basketball?”, like Arne Duncan. Who would’ve thought the former Secretary of Education would be a great shooter? Watching Hannibal Buress and Spice Adams play super competitively, only to fail, was a funny and enjoyable sight.

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

At the end of the day, Team Wilbon ran away with the win, 62-47, crushing my dreams of seeing Stephen A. Smith become super cocky. Popular rapper Common edged out the competition to win the game’s MVP.

To conclude, this year’s celebrity game was mostly average, but it had some bright spots that kept me tuned in for the most part. We got to see the NBA embrace the Ruffles Celebrity Game’s persona, as a joking and a comedic affair that shouldn’t be intended as serious whatsoever. The new additions such as the mini-games were welcome and enjoyable to watch. Though the match had some moments were I snoozed off on my couch, it was an alright TV event to start our NBA All-Star Weekend off.

Grade: C+