Dwight Howard ushered in a new era of “magistration” lol DD

Magic Johnson on his impressions of NBA All-Star in New Orleans: “First of all, the gumbo has been so good. The food, the people and the hospitality have been amazing. If you haven’t been to New Orleans, (the city) is back and ready to host people. You can have a good time and the NBA All-Star Weekend is happy to be here.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Nets guard and Eastern Conference starter Jason Kidd.

Kidd on playing for the Nets while awaiting an impending trade: “I’m a professional and this is my job. If (the trade) doesn’t work out then I’ll have to find a way to help get the Nets into the playoffs and see if we can try to win an (NBA) Championship.”

Kidd on tying a Guinness World Record for most half-court shots in a minute with three: “It was a great honor because I did it underhanded. Those other guys were shooting overhand. It was fun; LeBron (James) is so strong. He was able to shoot it the right way; I had to shoot it for the older people underhand.”

Magic Johnson on Devean George blocking the proposed trade that would send Jason Kidd to Dallas and George to New Jersey: “I understand what Devean (George) is talking about. What he wants is at the end of this (season), he’ll be eligible for five million (dollars if Dallas resigns him). What I can’t understand from Devean is if the team doesn’t want you, why do you want to be there? (He) could be going to New Jersey with a great opportunity to prove to people…that he is a good player.”

Smith on Devean George blocking the proposed trade to New Jersey: “This is All-Star Weekend, the biggest and brightest stage and Devean (George) has accomplished what he needed. He’s gotten us to talk about Devean George (during) All-Star Weekend. The world knows he’s a free agent and the teams know (he’s a free agent).”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Mavericks forward and Western Conference starter Dirk Nowitzki.

Nowitzki on the proposed trade Nets/Mavericks trade: “It definitely was a couple of weird days when the trade was announced and everyone thought it was going down…but we made the best of it. We tried to keep our focus and tried to keep the team together. The trade still hasn’t gone down yet so we have to work with what we have.”

Nowitzki on if the proposed trade for Jason Kidd has affected the team chemistry of the Mavericks: “We did our best to say that whoever is in (a Mavericks) uniform is going to give their best for the organization. That’s how we left it; our chemistry has always been good. If we want to reach our goal of ultimately winning a (NBA) Championship we have to stay together, even if we are going through tough times right now. We have to find a way to get it done. The last two games even though the distractions were big, the focus wasn’t that bad. I’m proud of the guys.”

Nowitzki on whether or not any Mavericks players confronted George about blocking the trade to acquire Jason Kidd: “There wasn’t any talk like that. I think Devean (George) looked out for himself a little bit in this deal. This league is a league of individuals sometimes and I can’t blame him”

Sager: “Are you saying he’s being selfish?”

Nowitzki: “We all are sometimes.”

Magic Johnson on Dirk Nowitzki confronting Devean George: “(Players) do not get in other players’ business; that’s Devean George’s personal business. We all want each other to get the most money that we can, we all support each other. That’s not Dirk Nowitzki’s place (to confront George), that’s not any players place.”

Magic Johnson on the Atlanta Hawks acquiring point guard Mike Bibby from the Sacramento Kings: “I love the deal for Atlanta (to acquire Mike Bibby). They have been trying to acquire a point guard for many, many years and a point guard with a ‘name’ and some experience. Atlanta fans will be very happy about this trade. Great trade for Atlanta.”

TNT’s John Thompson interviewed Hornets guard Chris Paul about NBA All-Star being held in New Orleans.

Paul on the rebuilding of New Orleans: “It’s an ongoing process. Right after the Hurricane (Katrina) hit, those weeks and months, it felt like everybody in the world was lending a helping hand. Everyone you talked to was trying to help New Orleans. But it’s one of those things that’s (become) out of sight, out of mind (right now).”

Paul on New Orleans hosting the NBA All-Star Game: “I think the (NBA) All-Star Game being (in New Orleans) is one of the best things for the city to have. Everybody knows that New Orleans is the best host for any event. I think, with the All-Star Game being here and the NBA doing their ‘Day of Service,’ it’ll be the lasting impression from all the community help, it’s not just about the Sunday night game, it’s about all the activities.”

Paul on how he fits community work into his busy schedule: “It’s extremely tough and I always have people telling me that I need to rest and have time for myself but when you are passionate for things, it comes first. I’m in a position where I have the opportunity to give back and its something special. The most valuable thing that I have is my time. When you can give your time, people really appreciate it.”

TNT aired a special feature on NBA legend “Pistol” Pete Marvich.

Magic Johnson on his memories of Pete Maravich: “(Pete Maravich) was on of the best that’s ever (played). Also, one of the best at entertaining the fans all at the same time yet not turning the ball over. He had it on a string, making behind-the-back passes, between the legs, but he was always under control. What amazed me was that he kept his opponent off-balance. Even when he was off-balance, he was really on-balance. That was the mark of ‘Pistol’ Pete.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Orlando Magic center and Eastern Conference starter Dwight Howard.

Howard on how the Shaquille O’Neal trade to Phoenix affects the center position in the Eastern Conference: “The centers in the East (Conference) have to step up. We’ve got some pretty good big men in the East so we’ve got to get the balance of power back to the East.”

Howard on his Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference playoff race: “We are a growing team. We’re trying to get better every day, every game. We want to be up there at the top with the (Boston) Celtics.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson and forward Carmello Anthony, both Western Conference starters.

Iverson on if the Nuggets are concened about possibly winning 50 games and not making the playoffs: “(We’re) not worried, we have a sense of urgency, we understand how serious it is. We’ve got to take it one game at a time and concentrate on that game and that game only.”

Anthony on the biggest factor the Nuggets are facing as they try to make the playoffs: “(The biggest factor is) consistency. If everyone can be on the same page and be consistent day-in and day-out, then I think we’ll be alright. We are going to be alright and we’re going to get our act together right after the All-Star break.”

TNT aired a feature on Raptors rookie Jamario Moon.

Raptors guard Jamario Moon on who he patterns his game after: “I pattern my game after (former NBA great) Scottie Pippen. That’s the reason why I wear (number) 33, that’s the reason why I play the way I play, all because of Scottie Pippen. Everybody says I look like Scottie anyway. I know the way Scottie played on both ends of the court and I try to pattern my game after him.”

Barkley on the NBA All-Star Game: “Out of all the sports, the NBA has the best All-Star Game. The thing that the NBA does and needs to keep doing, (is make it) a celebration for an entire weekend (and) do great charity stuff. I see Magic (Johnson), I see Bill Russell, I see Dr. J. (Julius Erving), you see all these guys. The NBA does it better than anybody else and we’ve got the best All-Star Game, period.”

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NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com

Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller and Mike Fratello with Cheryl Miller reporting

TNT’s Cheryl Miller interviewed Memphis Grizzlies guard and slam dunk contestant Rudy Gay prior to All-Star Saturday Night.

Gay on fans being able to vote on the Sprite Slam Dunk contest: “I think it’s great. A couple of years ago people were mad about how many chances (players) got (to attempt dunks) and they think it takes away from the dunk. But now, the fans get the ultimate choice of who wins. Hopefully, they’ll vote for me.”

Miller on Rudy Gay getting ideas for dunks from videos posted on YouTube by fans: “Well, fans have voted in the starters (for the All-Star Game) and have over the last 15-20 years. It’s interesting listening to Rudy Gay and the whole YouTube generation, that takes away from the creativity. What happened to just walking out (to the court), going up and doing the dunk? Now you’ve got to ask someone, ‘What kind of dunk should I do?’ I’m a little disappointed in Rudy.”

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All-Star Saturday Night

Haier Shooting Stars

Kevin Harlan, Mike Fratello and Reggie Miller; Cheryl Miller reporting

Participants

Team San Antonio: David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Becky Hammon (winner)

Team Phoenix: Eddie Johnson, Amare Stoudemire and Cappie Pondexter

Team Chicago: B.J. Armstrong, Chris Duhon and Candice Dupree

Team Detroit: Bill Laimbeer, Chauncey Billups and Swin Cash

Miller on the San Antonio team having two big men in Tim Duncan and David Robinson as shooters: “If San Antonio ends up winning this, it’s going to set all shooters back when you’ve got two seven footers winning the shooting competition.”

Fratello on Tim Duncan nailing three point shots in the Shooting Stars competition: “Gregg Popovich is turning over right now thinking he’s got to set up threes for Tim Duncan.”

Miller on the San Antonio team winning the Shooting Stars competition: “This is going to set shooting back 100 years, John Naismith is rolling over in his grave right now.”

Playstation Skills Challenge

Kevin Harlan, Mike Fratello and Reggie Miller; Cheryl Miller reporting

Participants

Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

Deron Williams, Utah Jazz (winner)

Miller on his prediction for the winner of the Skills Competition: “I’m going with experience, I’m going to with Jason Kidd. This may be an audition for Mark Cuban and the Mavericks.”

Miller on Heat guard Dwyane Wade who finished with the slowest time “(Dwyane Wade is) a two time champion, it’s kind of hard to fault a champion.”

Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout

Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, Cheryl Miller reporting

Participants

Daniel Gibson, Cleveland Cavaliers

Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons

Jason Kapono, Toronto Raptors (winner)

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans Hornets

Smith on Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson shooting better with teammate LeBron James on the court: “As soon as LeBron (James) stepped on the court (Daniel Gibson) made three more threes. There is no coincidence there.”

Barkley: “That’s because in the real game there’re guys guarding LeBron so (Gibson) is used to having wide open shots.”

Miller on Celtics guard Ray Allen belonging in the Three-Point Shootout: “There is a player that is not in this competition that is playing in the All-Star Game, and that’s Ray Allen. I wish he were in this, he is the best shooter in the league right now.”

Smith: “(Ray Allen) would have been bad news for these guys tonight.”

Smith on Suns guard Steve Nash’s score of nine three point shots: “Reggie, if you went out there in your suit you could get nine shots with no warm up.”

Harlan on the Sophomore/Rookie Game on Friday night: “Did you see what (Daniel) Gibson did last night? He was terrific.”

Smith: “Yeah, we actually called the game. Glad you were watching.”

Barkley: “You’re a loyal employee. David Levy (Turner Sports president) is back there watching, he knows what you did last night, Kevin.”

Barkley on Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown: “I guarantee you The Professor (Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown) is somewhere reading a book, he’s not watching this. I call (Mike Brown) The Professor because he just looks intelligent.”

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest

Kevin Harlan, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson (from judges’ table), Cheryl Miller reporting

Participants

Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies

Gerald Green, Minnesota Timberwolves

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (winner by 78% of text message voting)

Jamario Moon, Toronto Raptors

Judges: Darryl Dawkins, Dominique Wilkins, Karl Malone, Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Magic Johnson

Barkley on Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens being in New Orleans: “Did you see T.O. walk by? I would go say hello but I don’t want him to start crying.”

Smith on Magic center Dwight Howard’s first dunk: “When Kobe Bryant is amazed at the dunk you do, you are doing something that’s right. (Dwight Howard’s) got the Vince Carter syndrome, he’s got the building in his hands right now, so every time he walks up they are going to go crazy.”

Barkley before Timberwolves guard Gerald Green’s attempted his first dunk entitled ‘Birthday Cake,’ which involved blowing out a candle on a cupcake that is positioned on the basketball rim: “This is a bad idea. This is like Roger Clemens going before Congress.”

Barkley on Dwight Howard’s ‘Super Man’ dunk: “This is where ‘Are you kidding me?’ happens!”

Barkley on Magic center Dwight Howard: “Dwight Howard is a great face of a franchise. he understands his responsibility to the fans, he deals with the media and he’s a hell of a player, too.”

Smith on Dwight Howard’s first final round dunk: “I’m leaving the building, I quit my job, I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. It’s over, it’s done. (Dwight Howard) is a video game, he’s not a real person. And I haven’t even seen that in a video game. He’s got two dunks in top five history.”

Howard on how he came up with the idea for the Super Man dunk: “My teammates came up with the idea. I love to dance and my favorite song is ‘Soulja Boy,’ the Super Man song, so I decided to put on a cape and take off as far as I could.”

Magic Johnson on his vote for the Slam Dunk Contest winner: “(Dwight Howard) was exciting, he had imagination and he brought drama to it. He took it back to the old school dunkers of Dr. J, Michael Jordan and Vince Carter. Dwight Howard did his thing.”

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