The NBA All Star Saturday night has been a staple of fan appreciation ever since it became a yearly event. But while All Star weekend is supposed to show case the best talents in the league, it has become a stage for flashy popularity. This year we witnessed four main events the dunk contest, three-point shootout, shooting stars competition and skills challenge. Below is my take on the each event and its overall grade:

Haier Shooting Stars Competition: Over the years I have heard talk about stopping this event. But honestly it hasn’t disappointed over the years. It’s the one time we can see a current NBA player, old NBA Player and a WNBA player come together on one court. This year we had the chance to witness the return of Allan Houston to the court, and he didn’t disappoint. As he carried his New York team to victory sinking two three-pointers and a half court bomb.

GRADE: C

Taco Bell Skills Challenge: This is what an event is supposed to be like, chalk full of superstars. The storyline was there as well, a defending champ of the event, some old schoolers and some fresh new talent. The outcome was not what people expected. Most assumed the speed of players like John Wall and Kyrie Irving would prove to be too much in a competition bent on speed. But it was the older skilled players that prevailed as Tony Parker took home the trophy.

GRADE: A

Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout: This event had the perfect amount of star power mixed with those run of the mill three point specialists. But the best part may be that we had the chance to see one of the greatest players in the current NBA shoot the ball in Kevin Durant. But it was the power forward, not known to shoot the three ball in today’s NBA system, taking center stage and the trophy. Kevin Love showed big men can shoot.

GRADE: B-

Sprite Slam Dunk Competition: This is the event that everyone looks forward to. Remember the times when we saw the Michael Jordan’s and Dominique Wilkins throw it down. How about a Vince Carter 360 or a Jason Richardson between the legs slamma jamma? This competition is no longer of the caliber it once was and may never return to that level. We are now forced to watch no name mediocre dunkers try to put on a show. You know it’s bad when the trophy winner is booed.

GRADE: F