HoopsHype.com Rumors

Steve Kyler: Yannis (@Yannis Koutroupis) and I agree... were more people at the Kenny Smith party last night than Rookie Sophomore game. Maybe Sat will be better Twitter @stevekylerNBA

All-Star, Kenny Smith 

Trey Kerby: Just talked to James White's agent. He said that no only has Flight not practiced for the contest, but that he refuses to practice. Twitter @treykerby

New York Knicks, James White, All-Star 

Justin Verrier: Andre Drummond said it was his goal to be in the dunk contest. Back injury is keeping him out of events this weekend but he's eying next one Twitter @JustinVerrier

Detroit Pistons, All-Star, Andre Drummond 

Shams Charania: After making public comments in days leading up to All-Star weekend, Bulls' Derrick Rose doesn't have obligations for adidas in Houston. Twitter @ShamsCharania

Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, All-Star 

Frank Isola: The NBA, according to a source, has been informed that Carmelo Anthony intends to play in Sunday's All Star Game. Twitter @FisolaNYDN

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, All-Star 

Kenneth Faried: Getting fired up for the #SpriteSlam but still looking for dunk ideas!!! Tweet your ideas with #ManimalDunks & I'll take a look. Thx! Twitter @KennethFaried35

Denver Nuggets, All-Star, Kenneth Faried 

Mark Berman: Yao Ming says he'll join Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler & Dikembe Mutombo n judging the Slam Dunk Contest. Yao says he'll bring down avg age Twitter @MarkBermanFox26

Houston Rockets, Yao Ming, Clyde Drexler, Dikembe Mutombo, Hakeem Olajuwon, All-Star 

John Canzano: Paxson said, as GM of the Cavs, that the NBA league office would call and ask to help recruit LeBron to participate in Slam Dunk contest. Twitter @JohnCanzanoBFT

Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James, All-Star, Jim Paxson 

Terrence Ross is thrilled to be one of six competitors and the lone rookie entrant in Saturday’s Sprite Slam Dunk contest in Houston as part of All-Star Saturday. And as the Toronto Raptors guard defies gravity, he’ll be uplifted by a number of young fans he probably never knew he had. That’s because the 22-year-old guard out of Washington plans to dunk something far bigger than basketballs — he wants to help dunk cancer and help the children battling the despicable disease every day. Before the Raptors play host to the Denver Nuggets tonight, Ross will announce his involvement in launching a three-part fundraising campaign in partnership with “Dunk Cancer” and its month-long initiative, ”Dunk Cancer Month,” during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend. Ross has committed to help raise money to benefit the Children’s Cancer Association and his high school back home, Jefferson High, in Portland, Ore. “Ever since I was in about the third grade, my mom has run an out-of-home day care service,” Ross said. “So there were always kids around. One of the kids that she took care of had cancer. We were close to the family and were always around each other so it hit home for us. That’s the main reason I’ve chosen to support “Dunk Cancer” and “Dunk Cancer Month.” NBA.com

Toronto Raptors, All-Star, Terrence Ross 

So what does the 6-foot-6, 195-pound Ross, the youngest of the contestants, have planned? “I’ve been planning my dunks for about a week now, testing them with teammates to see which will get really good scores,” said Ross, who noted that Raptors newcomer Rudy Gay has provided some pointers. “I’m definitely going to do something new, nothing I’ve done during the season.” So a few surprises then? “Possibly,” said Ross, who is averaging 6.6 ppg and 2.1 rpg in 17.3 mpg. “I think I have a fairly good chance of winning. Plus, I need to advance to build up my contribution.” NBA.com

Toronto Raptors, All-Star, Terrence Ross 

But when Andre Drummond's injury forced him out of Friday's game for rookies and second-year players in conjunction with NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston, leaving only second-year Brandon Knight from the Pistons, head coach Lawrence Frank said he felt sure that Singler would be named the rookie replacement. Orlando's Andrew Nicholson was tapped instead and Frank said he considered it it a snub to Singler. "Maybe he's one of those guys that unless you coach him, there's not the appreciation," Frank said. "But his numbers, you look at his numbers, he's in the top nine of that rookie group. So I thought he was snubbed but what are you going to do?" Booth Newspapers

Detroit Pistons, Kyle Singler, All-Star 

Adrian Wojnarowski: Orlando's Andrew Nicholson chosen to replace injured Andre Drummond in Rising Stars game on All-Star weekend, league source tells Y! Sports. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, All-Star, Andre Drummond, Andrew Nicholson 

Isaiah Thomas will participate in the 2013 Rising Stars Challenge after all, as "commissioner" Kenny Smith added him to the pool of players before Thursday night's draft. Isaiah was picked by Charles Barkley toward the end of the draft. (He was not, however, the last pick.) Joining Isaiah on Team Chuck will be Anthony Davis, Kenneth Faried, Ricky Rubio, Brandon Knight and Alexey Shved, among others. The top two point guards in the game, Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving, landed on Team Shaq. Sactown Royalty

Sacramento Kings, All-Star, Isaiah Thomas 

Chris Vivlamore: Hawks coach Larry Drew joked that Jeff Teague better not come back without All-Star Skills Challenge win. #ATLHawks Twitter @ajchawks

Atlanta Hawks, Larry Drew, Jeff Teague, All-Star 

Matt Bonner: As glamorous as attending union meetings might sound, I would be thrilled to get invited to All-Star Weekend for some other official purpose. But the only realistic chance of that happening would be getting selected to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest. They don’t call me the Red Rocket for nothing. Actually, my real best shot (no pun intended) would be the Three- Point Contest. Since I grew up in New England worshipping Larry Bird, I fantasize of some day winning on the final “money ball”. I’d then pay homage to my childhood hero by walking off the court with my index finger held high in the air…short shorts and all. Of course, I realize that even if I were picked, the chances of that scenario actually playing out are about as good as Deer Tick’s chances of winning a Grammy this year (which they should!). Alas, a man can dream. SLAM

San Antonio Spurs, Matt Bonner, All-Star 

Portland Trail Blazers rookie standout Damian Lillard has been invited to participate in the NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge during All-Star Weekend in Houston, CSNNW.com has learned. According to a person close to the rookie point guard, the three-time Rookie of the Month has every intention of accepting the invitation. Lillard is known for his offensive ability, but just as well, he has dazzled this league with his ball handling ability and passing skills ever since he stepped foot in the league. CSNNW.com

Portland Trail Blazers, All-Star, Damian Lillard 

Matt Moore: Ty Lawson wants in the 3-point contest. Twitter @HPbasketball

Denver Nuggets, Ty Lawson, All-Star 

Ethan J. Skolnick: As All-Star Saturday captain, Wade reached out to players for different contests. Says LeBron turned him down for 3-point. Twitter @EthanJSkolnick

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, All-Star 

Joseph Goodman: Wade also wants to see J.R. Smith represent the East in the dunk contest. Twitter @JoeGoodmanJr

New York Knicks, Dwyane Wade, JR Smith, All-Star 

Joseph Goodman: Wade couldn't convince Ray Allen to be in 3-pt contest either. "After all these years, he needs a vacation." Twitter @JoeGoodmanJr

Miami Heat, Ray Allen, Dwyane Wade, All-Star