The Reigning Versus The Greatest

The circumstance that Paul Pierce suggested last month will present itself at this year's NBA All-Star festivities. The reigning champ of the 3-Point Shootout will face far stiffer competition this time around, when his fellow Celtic sharpshooter Ray Allen joins the pool. We've got the reigning champ against -- soon to be, anyway -- the best 3-point shooter in the history of this league.

It's a good move by the league and everyone involved. Ed B discussed the issue last month, and I completely agree with his notion -- All-Star weekend has begun to lose its spark. It has become a bit mundane. A storyline like this one with some teammate competition might just give it the boost it needs. Speaking of teammate competition -- do you think the NBA would ever consider following in the footsteps of the NHL?

It sounds totally insane and an idea to scoff at. The NBA? Following the NHL? Never in a million years. But let's face it. The NHL made a great move. In a league where the players are so much more distinct and well-known, with a game that features so much more isolation and individual showcasing, wouldn't it be a must-see event? To watch Rondo cross up Ray Allen at the top of the key, drive to the lane, get contested by KG, but dish it off to ... Kobe? For three? I think it would be a lot more interesting. It might serve the NBA best to swallow their pride and follow the hockey guys on this one. Because after all -- there's an extremely small chance that I watch the actual all-star game this season. It just doesn't interest me one bit.

Irrelevant contests aside, Ray Allen will look to become the NBA's all-time leader in career 3-point field goals made tomorrow night. What better a stage than the Celtics versus the Lakers at the Garden? Ray-Ray planned it just right. It's all shaping up to be an unforgettable night, hopefully featuring an energized and rowdy crowd celebrating a milestone achievement by a star and a statement victory over a rival.