Sneaker Watch: 2011 BBVA Celebrity Game
words_Brandon Richard
Getting this weekend’s All-Star festivities started last night was the BBVA Celebrity Game. Teams consisting of actors, musicians, politicians, WNBA players and retired NBA ballers represented both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The East squad was led by NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and Coach Bill Walton, while singer Justin Bieber and Coach Magic Johnson provided leadership for the West. In the end, the Pippen factor proved to be the difference, as the six-time NBA Champion led the East to a 54-49 win.
Pippen looked less like old Scottie and more like the Scottie of old. Though it wasn’t exactly the competitive environment Pippen once thrived in, it was evident that the legend keeps himself in shape and spends some time in the gym keeping that stroke silky smooth. He led all scorers with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, impressing Magic Johnson and all of the fans in attendance.
Unfortunately for Pippen, his fanbase consists of adults who were no match for the “Beliebers” when it came to fans voting for MVP. Despite his team coming up short, the pop sensation took home top honors with a really solid eight-point, four-assist and two-rebound performance. His shooting was a little off, though he did drain two three-pointers, but he displayed some skills on the court and earned a little respect.
The game won’t be considered for an ESPN Instant Classic airing anytime soon, but it was a fun night for the fans. It was certainly more enjoyable than those horrific green screen segments that somebody at ESPN thought would be a great idea. Poor Eric Gordon.
Here’s a recap of what some of the Celebrity Game participants wore last night.
Great to see these back on the court. Scottie Pippen was in vintage form wearing the Nike Air Pippen II.
Another look at the Hall of Famer in the Air Pippen II.
Tamika Catchings balls in the pinkfire Kay Yow Nike Hyperdunk 2010.
Musicians Common and Trey Songz duke it out wearing different colorways of the Nike Zoom Kobe VI.
Basketball Hall of Fame finalist Chris Mullin meets the Biebs in the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse Low.
Jason Sudeikis wearing the adidas adiPure
While having an increased vertical, Rob Kardashian apparently didn’t see any defensive enhancements in the “Banned” APL Concept 1.
Celebrity Basketball legend Michael Rapaport also hit the court in the Zoom Kobe VI
Lakers legend A.C. Green tries to contain Rapaport in the “Sun” adidas adiPure.
Game MVP Justin Bieber is hunched over from carrying the team on his back in the adidas Crazy 8.
Celebrate good times: Justin Bieber in the adidas Crazy 8, Romeo Miller in the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse Low, Trey Songz in the Nike Zoom Kobe VI and Jalen Rose wearing the Nike Zoom LeBron III.
images via ESPN