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5 things we need to see on NBA All-Star Saturday Night

By Cody Williams

Jan 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) reacts after a basket during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) reacts after a basket during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 16, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) grabs a rebound against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) grabs a rebound against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. DeAndre Jordan re-creating his dunk over Brandon Knight

One of the subplots of NBA All-Star Saturday Night is the fact that fans won’t get the rematch between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon. Due to an injury to the former, only Gordon will be returning from the memorable above-the-rim showdown one year ago. Joining Gordon will be Derrick Jones (we’ll get there), Glenn Robinson III and DeAndre Jordan. The Los Angeles Clippers center obviously stands out among that group.

While none of the four participants are small by any measure, Jordan is by far the most traditional big man of the bunch. In years past, we’ve seen centers struggle largely when it comes to the Slam Dunk Contest. Even athletic players such as Andre Drummond just simply don’t have the hangtime necessary to pull off the things that bouncier players are able to. While Jordan may not have that same problem to the same degree, it’s hard to imagine him competing with at least Gordon and Jones in that regard.

Subsequently, Jordan has to be creative with what he pulls out. In doing so, he should reach back into his highlight-reel and recreate his most memorable dunk.

Jordan’s dunk from March 2013 over then Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Knight is one of the most iconic moments of his career. The internet rightfully melted down over the alley-oop throwdown that eviscerated the guard. If he could get Knight to agree to it, trying his best to recreate that moment would be a fantastic call-back for Jordan and a chance for him to get an upper hand when his size might cause him limitations.

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