Read along as RealGM Senior Writer Andrew Perna provides readers with a running blog during the 57th annual NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans on Sunday night:
8:03PM - As TNT begins its All-Star coverage, Jason Kidd-to-Dallas is still the biggest story. If I can ask Turner to do me one favor tonight, let's make this about the participants and not what may happen as the league switches into the second half.
8:05PM - Chris Paul is quickly becoming one of the most marketable faces in the NBA. As the point guard of the New Orleans Hornets , he also has the chance to become the face of a city climbing towards a rebirth. Both would be fine by me, he's as enigmatic as they come.
8:10PM - How awkward was that David Aldridge interview with J-Kidd? I think he sealed his fate, by saying that he's "hoping to be in Dallas". That has to hurt if you are Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson or any of Kidd's other Nets' teammates. It sounds like he wouldn't mind switching over to the Western squad at halftime.
8:13PM - You think Kobe wants to be playing? Never mind, because he answered that question for us all minutes before the tipoff. Just let him be on the court for the opening minute, and then sit him on the sideline so the Lakers can preserve their season.