By MARC BERMAN
NEW ORLEANS – Watching Dwight Howard fly to the ceiling last night in the Slam Dunk contest in a red Superman cape reminded me of how crazy the talk was last season Eddy Curry was close to his level.
It was at this time of year clamor was heard that Curry should have been in the All-Star Game, not in place of Howard as much as alongside. How ridiculous does that seem now?
Howard’s stock has never been higher and he is great for the NBA’s image – a good, Bible-toting kid. Howard and Gerald Green lifted the Slam Dunk contest to new heights last night with their imaginative display.
Green’s blowing out the candle that sat atop the cupcake on the back iron was precious. Shame on the judges for not giving him a 50, as he did it on his first try.
Howard’s ability to leap tall buildings on that throw-it-from-the-roof dunk shot is the kind of moment that could lift the NBA more into the casual sports fan’s consciousness. Howard jerseys were selling very well today on Canal Street here in the Big Easy. No center has ever been able to jump like that.
The festivities end tonight with the actual game. Kobe Bryant will play, probably just the first few minutes of each half. The Lakers should be ashamed of themselves that they tried to get the NBA to let him sit.
The Big Easy rose to the occasion this weekend, not letting the recent report crime was up 25 percent here in the last quarter effect the party. Bourbon Street was packed to the gills on the weekend – but the usual live bands blaring blues, rock and jazz were replaced by Hip-Hop DJs in honor of the NBA.
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Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens was one of the celebs at a Playboy party last night that we attended. Media cohort Chris Nelsen asked T.O. his thoughts about the Giants winning the Super Bowl as he walked to his car. The only responce T.O. could muster was a shrug of his shoulders and a bewildered grimace. Guess he’s still feeling some resentment?
Earlier in the night, Owens and current TNT analyst/Knicks part-time broadcaster Kenny Smith did their best impressions at the DJ booth, mixing records and even spitting some rhymes. Actually, Smith was decent.
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One story coming out of the weekend was former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo telling me he’d be interested in interviewing for the Knicks job this offseason if there’s a vacancy. The club needs credibility. Colangelo, who heads USA Basketball, lends it in spades…Lots of GMs in town, and not just to talk trade with the deadline Thursday. Many brought their wives – including Knicks senior VP Glen Grunwald – to experience the French Quarter.
