In recent years, All-Star Game campaigns have become a necessity. Join us as we explore the most innovative ideas ever devised. We're talking about the funniest All-Star Game commercials in recent memory today.
Chris Bosh, 2008
Let's start with Chris Bosh, a two-time NBA champion who has played in 11 All-Star Games during his career, but his commitment to getting there in 2008 ended in an off-court incident.
The film that Bosh used to further his cause and get himself voted for the game of stars, which was held in New Orleans that year, bears witness to this. Bosh returns to his roots and portrays a Texan auto salesperson (the former Raptors and Heat player is a native of Dallas); nothing is left out of the performance: the attire, the background music, and the traditional Southern dialect.
Even Bosh's brother Joel, who is nicknamed Bubba for the occasion, makes an appearance.
Result: Bosh was selected for the All-Star Game, but his commitment to filming this video was insufficient to secure him a starting spot, at least in the first place. As a result of Kevin Garnett's injury, the Texan was promoted to the starting lineup.
Amar'e Stoudemire, 2009 and 2010
Amar'e Stoudemire was one of the league's hottest longs when he was with the Suns. The winger provided highlights to every laced shoe in tandem with Steve Nash, and it's no surprise that the two appeared in multiple All-Star Games during the Arizona franchise's golden years. To ensure that he did not miss the convocation, Stoudemire opted to shoot a mini-series, one in 2009 and one in 2010.
Stat's All-Star mission has its own YouTube channel (Vote4Amare) dedicated to it. In several episodes, American actor David Spade accompanied the former Suns, Knicks, Mavs, and Heat player. Stoudemire promotes his cause in some way in each of the nine films (5 for 2009 and 4 for 2010). Every video, of course, seeks to push the boundaries of ridicule.
Result: In both situations, Stoudemire was picked as the owner, most likely not because of these films but because of his actions on the field.
Rudy Gay, 2011
Who was the NBA's most intriguing player in 2011? Rudy Gay, most likely not.
In search of All-Star glory, the Grizzlies' then-player opted to take inspiration from the iconic advertisements for Dos Equis, a Mexican drink. Jonathan Goldsmith plays "the most interesting man in the world" in the advertisements, which are possibly more famous than the beer itself.
Gay stated he liked those commercials and wanted to make a parody for his All-Star campaign. The video was completed after roughly a day of filming.
Result: Gay was not chosen for the match of the stars. Apparently, he wasn't the most interesting man in the NBA.
Lance Stephenson, 2014
Lance Stephenson was playing the best basketball of his career in 2014. Many supporters believe that the current Hawks player deserved to be called up to the All-Star Game, not least because Lance is the ideal player for such a competition. Stephenson had to beat out a lot of competition: Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade, John Wall, and DeMar DeRozan were just a few of the players he had to beat out.
In keeping with the Lance manner, the Brooklyn native chooses to film a video with his alter ego, Sir Lancelot. Sir Lancelot yells accolades and asks spectators to vote for the Pacers player during the film, which is simply a Lance highlight reel.
Result: Sir Lancelot did not get to play in the All-Star Game. Perhaps the next time he'll enlist the assistance of the other Knights of the Round Table.
Andre Drummond, 2016
The remixes aren't far behind the highlight reels in terms of audience acclaim. And the Detroit Pistons came up with that ridiculous concept. The Michigan franchise decided to make a remix of "Jumpman" (a song by Drake and Future, but also the nickname of the Detroit actor) to support the cause of their big man Andre Drummond: the video's peculiarity was that it was made using countless fragments of speeches by then-US President Barack Obama. The result is breathtaking.
The video was so popular that the Pistons followed it up with a remix of Dr. Dre's "Forgot About Dre."
Result: despite the spectacular videos, Drummond was not voted as the owner; however, it was chosen as a reserve. However, a special mention should be made of originality: the Drummond-Obama remixes will be remembered for a long time.
Karl-Anthony Towns, 2016
The Timberwolves adopted a similar technique involving the term, but they understood it differently. They prepared a video depicting Karl-Anthony Towns in various cities around the world with a cat in an attempt to get him his first call-up. The initials of Towns create KAT, which has been converted into a cat for the event. Finally, there is a message for the fans at the end of the video:
"These pals have been everywhere, now it’s YOUR job to vote to send them to Toronto."
Given the existence of the cat, this is a basic, direct, and also really lovely concept. Unfortunately, Towns does not appear to be enthusiastic about making this video, as evidenced by his facial expressions.
Result: KAT will not be named to the All-Star team. A question arises: would we have seen the cat in Toronto if we had been summoned?
The big 3 of the Clippers, 2016
For several years, the Clippers could brag of a tandem who were essentially All-Star Game subscribers. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin each represented their club in the game of stars for four editions (2012-2015). However, lob city could also boast another big guy who, thanks to his athleticism, might have wreaked havoc in a game like the All-Star Game.
DeAndre Jordan was never called up even though there were a lot of good longs contending for the job.
In 2016, the Clippers, like other organizations, tried to focus on the internet as a tactic for accumulating votes. The end outcome, on the other hand, was not up to par with the competitors.
The Clippers' video is straightforward: Paul, Griffin, and Jordan ask viewers to vote for their colleagues in a casual and wild manner. There is an undeniable hilarious note, but after 10 seconds, the boredom sets in.
Result: As previously stated, DJ did not answer the phone. Blake, who had been nearly a shoe in until that year, was also left out. On the other side, CP3 was the only Clipper summoned.
Kemba Walker, 2017
Inspired by Chuck Norris Walker, Texas Ranger, the Charlotte Hornets were able to completely realize their potential in 2017. Walker, Charlotte Ranger was born as Kemba dressed as an American Ranger, replete with a star and a cowboy hat.
Frank Kaminsky, this time Kemba's partner, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Steve Martin are also present. Spencer Hawes also contributed to the cause: it was his turn to sing the soundtrack, and he delivered an unforgettable performance.
The Hornets have even built a website dedicated to ranger Kemba, which includes other movies such as the second installment of the tale and a more serious mini-series in which Kemba tells himself.
Result: It was never as safe in New Orleans as it was during All-Star Weekend 2017. It's all because Walker, Charlotte Ranger, was in town.
Joel Embiid, 2017
Who hasn't heard about Joel Embiid and his desire to date Rihanna? For a long time, the Sixers were turned down, at least until he became an All-Star. So the Cameroonian center's All-Star campaign was formed; Embiid used her Twitter notoriety to try to gain the call-up, reminding fans that a date with the famous rapper was on the line.
In addition to Embiid's battle, the 76ers lent their support, capitalizing on their players' fondness for Shirley Temples (non-alcoholic cocktails). The 76ers distributed this personalized recipe in addition to selling the cocktails throughout the games.
Result: As a result of the lack of a few votes, Embiid was not summoned.
Bobby Portis 2021
Bobby Portis ran a full-fledged electoral campaign. Following a recent trip to the White House as a 2021 NBA champion, the Bucks player now seeks the help of Uncle Sam to get enough votes. Is he going to make it?
