All-Star Weekend becomes can’t-miss event

In Clyde Drexler’s day, the NBA All-Star Weekend felt more like work than play.

“The luster of being an All-Star was kind of wearing off because there wasn’t a lot of stuff to do that weekend,” said Drexler, a 10-time All-Star and former Houston Rocket. “For a while, guys were like, ‘I’d like to take my family to the beach instead.’ “

Now, Drexler said, All-Star Weekend has become a can’t-miss event for players, with the basketball stuff sandwiched between glitzy dance parties featuring A-list celebrities.

The ever-expanding All-Star festivities are back in Houston for the first time since 1989 and players – and others with connections – have plenty of options before Sunday’s All-Star game.

They can chill at Shaquille O’Neal’s All-Star Hang Suite, check out the scene at hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri’s bash or crash another soiree being hosted by singer Tyrese.

The weekend started with the Rookie Challenge in which Philadelphia swingman Andre Iguodala scored 30 points, mostly on dunks, leading the sophomores over the rookies 106-96.

The slam-dunk contest highlights a night of skills competitions today. The All-Star game is Sunday night

Barkley among Hall finalists

Charles Barkley and Dominique Wilkins are among the 16 finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2006. Other finalists include Connecticut women’s coach Geno Auriemma, Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars and ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale.