All-Star Weekend MVP: Shaquille O'Neal

This award goes to the Most Valuable Performer not in the All-Star game itself, but of the entire All-Star weekend. Even if a guy performed brilliantly during the game, it doesn't necessarily mean they helped make the weekend fun ... and conversely, a guy could've made the whole weekend a lot of fun, even if he wasn't very good, or even didn't play in the game.

The nominees:

Shaquille O'Neal: I've not always been Shaq's biggest fan, but he's always embraced the role of the game's ambassador, and I think that's important. Shaq not only boogied down during the All-Star practice, but forced Dwight Howard and LeBron to do it with him, dragging some personality out of them. Had his customary moment as point guard doing the game, he kissed Tracy McGrady, and had that goofy slot-machine shoe.

Charles Barkley: Could be the MVP here, and is almost certainly the MVP among Vegas blackjack dealers this weekend. His personality was all over TNT's coverage all weekend long, and he never disappoints. The Barkley vs. Bavetta race was about the most fun thing that's ever been on television. Charles is a natural promoter and entertainer.

Kobe Bryant: His nomination is based almost entirely on his game performance, and is probably the weakest of the candidates. Still, his flair for the dramatic and ability to create highlights stood out above everyone else's on Sunday night. Without Kobe, that game could have been really ugly.

Dwight Howard: Deserved to win the dunk contest, but in getting robbed and not winning, his legacy as a dunk contest martyr may actually live on longer than if he had won. His dunk will be talked about for the eternity of the dunk contest and Howard might be responsible for a rule change next year, requiring judges to review tape before grading the dunks. Had some outstanding game highlights, too.

The NBA: At the end of the weekend, more than anything else, I just felt really good about the NBA. The Association is not without its flaws, but David Stern does work hard to make sure that All-Star weekend is something that's a lot of fun for the fans to watch. And this year, even with a mediocre game, it certainly was that.

And the winner is ...

Shaquille O'Neal. Awarded on the basis of this year's performance, and also as sort of a lifetime achievement award. Shaq is aware of his responsibility to be a promoter and ambassador of the game. It seemed to me this year that he was making a concerted effort to pass the torch to Dwight Howard, getting him to dance during the practice, and stepping aside so Howard had the playing time in the actual game. Shaq gets it, and he wants the younger guys to be able to get it when he's gone.