Chapter 308: The Future Is Still Mine.
No matter the reasons behind it, the news of LeBron James joining the Dunk Contest sent fan expectations through the roof.
With Han Sen already confirmed, last year's champion Zach LaVine, and now LeBron, this lineup promised a showdown even more anticipated than Vince Carter's legendary dunk contest.
Time flew, and by the end of January, the results of the All-Star fan voting and player votes were officially announced, along with the coaches' picks for reserves.
After finishing as the runner-up in last year's fan vote, Han reclaimed the title of All-Star vote leader in dominant fashion.
Kyrie Irving, too, earned a starting spot alongside Han in the Eastern Conference backcourt.
Additionally, the list of participants for this year's skills contests was revealed.
In the Three-Point Contest, the participants included Han Sen, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, J.J. Redick (who was leading the league in three-point percentage), Devin Booker, and Chris Bosh.
For the Dunk Contest, the final slot was awarded to the Magic's sophomore forward Aaron Gordon.
Another noteworthy twist came in the coaching assignments. With Steve Kerr ineligible to coach due to the Warriors' success last season, Lakers coach Byron Scott was selected to coach the West.
In the East, Pat Riley stepped in as head coach after the Heat's mid-season coaching change.
As February rolled in and the All-Star Weekend drew closer, the league saw a wave of minor injuries.