The Big 5-0 And Other HOOPla!

Without question this day will hold quite a bit of interest for the casual fan and for those who like the historical aspect of one's achievements in a career.

Later this day the 62nd annual NBA All-Star Game will tip-off for the 3rd time in Houston Texas.

It goes without saying that today's NBA is locked and loaded with superstars on every team. It also amazes me just how well the popularity of the sport is globally.

One can only imagine what the people of Chicago are planning this day for one of their very own. Yes, Michael Jordan turns 50.

I never got to watch him play in person, regretfully. If I had perhaps there would be a sway of opinion on what Michael Jordan could do in a game compared to what these eyes have seen LeBron James do in the last decade.

Be that as it may it can now be stated that I was all set and ready to partake in the weeklong events that shall wind up tonight in H-Town with press passes and the like. Sadly, work took the top priority. Management has been tactfully reminded that this will not be the case in 2014.

Another name to add the list of hitting 50 will be Charles Barkley on the 20th. No doubt there will be some good discussion when Michael, Charles, and Bill Russell meet up with Ahmad Rashad (to be shown on TV tomorrow night) to discuss their careers.

Hard to fathom with all the superstar talent representing Miami and Los Angeles for the East and West you will get to enjoy watching 7 1st timers performing tonight in Texas. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin should get some jam moments. Likewise for Dwyane and LeBron for the East. Does the over/under top 300 for final score? Any anticipation for defense or do you just sit back and admire all the slams, jams, and downtown threes?

This game indeed is for the fans so the fouls should be non-existent. Along the first timers to play the people of Cleveland can be very proud. Kyrie Irving has been a show stopper with his prowess in the Foot Locker Three Point Challenge Saturday night holding off Matt Bonner among others.

You can never go wrong when the Skills competition comes into play. Safe to say that the future of the NBA is in great hands with incredibly talented new players. Note the efforts of Damien Lillard and Jrue Holiday last night as Houston Texas has been a gracious host for the third time since 1989.

Already three years have passed since Dallas/Arlington hosted an All-Star Game. Going to be weird to not have one Maverick representing in tonight's East-West matchup. With Houston hosting an event for the second time since 2006 how long before Dallas gets to host again? My guess is 2018 at the earliest.

Hopefully you are able to enjoy a three day President's Day Weekend while soaking up all the festivities south of us. Aside from Holliday, Lillard, and Irving, add Tyson Chandler, Brook Lopez, Paul George, and Joakim Noah as first timers for the All-Star Game. 

Thankfully there is a backup plan in place for yours truly. The suddenly resurgent Dallas Stars play the Calgary Flames. The second meeting in five days for both teams. Stars have won 6 of 8 and they'll try to make it seven of nine after a thrilling comeback win Friday night in Vancouver.

Happy Birthday MJ! Since Kyrie Irving and LeBron James both owned Cleveland at different junctures I am also reminded that today is a birthday for another famous athlete: Jim Brown. Brown and Jordan are to February 17th what King James and Tiger Woods do for December 30th.

If in Houston, Hoop It Up!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will