NBA All-Star Game Rendered Totally Irrelevant

Regardless of the event, it is always interesting to see so much talent interact with each other under one roof, BUT, this particular event has earned the reputation of being a sloppy display of athletes running around, not quite sure how to entertain the crowd. Unfortunately, this game hasn't meant much since it was infested by The Dream Team in the early '90s. Save for a few guys who know how to inject some entertainment into their games (Kobe, Lebron, D. Wade, CP3 and Dwight Howard), this game is usually overhyped and undervalued by those playing.

If they'd just understand that all they have to do is to play the way they do during the regular season, we'd have something worth watching!

Maybe I'm just annoyed that Shaq made the cut after looking like a straight up marshmallow man on my Heat last year. Or maybe I don't understand a system that welcomes Yi Jianlian (10.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg) into the game based solely on his popularity in China.  Either way, my curiosity usually gets the best of me.  I'm just hoping I make it until half-time this year.

The game airs live from Phoenix (February 15th, 8pm ET) on TNT and ESPN Radio.

Give the people somethin to watch, Wilbon

Who:  Andy Roddick (7) v. Roger Federer (2)

What: Australian Open Semifinals 

When: Tonight at 3:30 AM (Also being shown at 3 PM Thursday)

Where: ESPN2

Reasons to watch: 

1.  There's a lot of mutual appreciation goin' on between these guys. All things considered, including the extreme lopsidedness of their history (Federer 15-2), they respect the hell out of each other's games and always provide interesting matches.  

2.  Roddick hasn't won a grand slam since 2003. He's fallen short the past 5 years for one reason or another but, and he's got me convinced that, we're looking at a brand new, reenergized, inspired Andy Roddick! He's got a new coach. He's lost weight. He's quicker, and perhaps most importantly, he's playing like he's got something to prove. 

3.  Since MJ called it quits a decade ago, there have only been two guys to challenge the way he dominated a sport: Federer and Tiger. If you're ranked #1 for 237 consecutive weeks in an individuals sport (like Federer was up until Aug. '08), you've earned my nod to be featured here anytime you play. Watch those ratings shoot through the roof now! Bottom line:  Whenever this guy is on, I'm watching.  

4.  I loved Pete Sampras. That being said, Federer needs one more grand slam victory to tie him for most grand slam victories ever (14). Who likes ties anyway? I realize that its a surer thing than most that Roger will eventually take the lead, but can someone (other than Nadal) please make him work for that lead? Roddick, lets do this!

Prediction: You ready for this? OK, here we go. Roddick in 5 sets.  

(Post-match edit:  What was I thinking??  Never bet against Federer! Never!)