Pre-Season Predictions: Kings All-Star Weekend

The Kings have been rather scarcely represented at All-Star Weekend over the last few years with representation almost solely coming from the Rookie-Sophomore (now Rising Stars challenge) game. The last time the Kings actually had anyone in the All-Star game itself was 2003-04 when both Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic made the team. That was also the last time they had someone in one of the marquee events (we're not counting that H.O.R.S.E and Shooting Stars crap), with Peja in the Three Point shootout.

So, who will represent the Kings at All-Star Weekend this year in Houston, and in what events?

All-Star Game

There's only one real contender on the Kings for an All-Star spot and that's DeMarcus Cousins. Even with a lot of individual improvement over last year's great campaign, it will still be very difficult for him to make the All-Star game. Last year's West team featured Andrew Bynum, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, Dirk Nowitzki and Marc Gasol. While Bynum has gone East, Dwight Howard has replaced him. Andrew Bogut, David Lee, Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Anthony Davis, Serge Ibaka and Marcin Gortat are all in the Western Conference as well. Cousins will have to have a phenomenal year, and the Kings will have to be doing well for him to get All-Star consideration.

An even further long shot is Tyreke Evans. Evans definitely has All-Star potential, but there's even more competition at the guard spot.

Dunk Contest

The last time the Kings were featured in the Dunk Contest, it was Gerald Wallace, a little used wing player with a ton of hops. The Kings best chance to get back is again a little used wing player with a ton of hops:

The NBA likes giving relative unknowns a chance to shine in the Dunk Contest. It's how Nate Robinson made his name initially, and last year's winner, Jeremy Evans, played just 217 minutes for the Jazz. Or maybe it's the little man again, as Isaiah Thomas has some serious hops (skip to 4:37 if it doesn't do it for you automatically).

Also, since we're talking about dunks, here's an excuse to re-watch Tyreke's two huge career posters. While he isn't the most explosive athlete, he can absolutely throw down if given a full head of steam.

Three Point Shootout

The Kings don't have many shooters on the team, but there are a few guys who have shown a lot of skill from distance.

Aaron Brooks led the entire NBA in three pointers made and attempted in 2009-10, hitting at an almost 40% rate.

Jimmer Fredette was a sharpshooter in college, and has ridiculous range.

Isaiah Thomas led the Kings in Three Point accuracy last year, and would have led in makes if he had been a starter the entire year.

Skills Competition

I've said it since his rookie year, but the Skills Competition was absolutely made for Tyreke Evans. A dribbling obstacle course with layups and passing drills? Evans could dominate in this event. The only spots I think he could get hung up on are the three pointer and the long bounce pass. For all his faults, Evans can dribble a ball like he has it on a string.

Rising Stars Challenge

Now this is one event where the Kings have been a staple. That's mainly because the team has been terrible and had plenty of high draft picks. The Kings have four potential candidates in Isaiah Thomas, Jimmer Fredette, Thomas Robinson and Tyler Honeycutt. Thomas is almost a guarantee to be in, and Robinson probably is as well.