NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2015: Participant List, MVP History and More

While NBA All-Star weekend is largely about having fun and putting on a show for the fans, no event stays truer to those principles than the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

Actors, musicians, athletes and other entertainers have gathered every year since 2003 for the annual Celebrity Game, and they have certainly created some memorable moments. The level of play isn't necessarily always the highest, but several participants have proven that they have some skills.

Seeing celebrities step out of their element and on to the basketball court is a great treat for the fans. Although there is a certain degree of competitiveness, nobody takes themselves too seriously, which makes for a fun event.

Here is a listing of the celebrities who will take part in this year's Celebrity Game, as well as some information regarding the history of the contest.

Celebrity Game Participants 

Common has since spoken about his inclusion in the event, via the NBA's Instagram: 

Celebrity Game Coaches

Celebrity Game Info (via NBA.com)

Start Time: Friday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Where: Madison Square Garden in New York City

Live Stream: WatchESPN

All-Time Results and MVPs

Greatest Celebrity Game Performers

Arne Duncan

Arne Duncan has been the United States Secretary of Education since 2009, but once per year he shows the world that he is a fantastic basketball player as well.

Duncan captained the Harvard University basketball team and played some pro ball in Australia, so he certainly has a leg up on most other celebrities. He has participated in the Celebrity Game every year since 2011, and he has stood out each and every time.

Comedian Kevin Hart was named MVP last year since it is determined via fan vote, but Duncan performed so well to the tune of a record 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists that Hart conceded the award.

Duncan definitely has ability, but even he admitted that the level of competition hasn't been particularly high, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Journal:

With that said, Duncan shines in this game on a yearly basis, and he is most definitely the gold standard.

Kevin Hart

As one of the most popular comedians in the world, Hart is a great representative for the Celebrity Game. Although the diminutive funny man's basketball prowess is somewhat questionable, he is one of only two people to be named the game's MVP on multiple occasions.

Hart earned the honors in both 2012 and 2013. The only thing that stopped him from a three-peat was his gracious decision to hand the 2014 award over the Duncan.

Even though Hart usually doesn't put up big numbers in the Celebrity Game, he is always entertaining throughout. Also, he serves as an inspiration for shorter people just like guys such as Spud Webb, Muggsy Bogues and Nate Robinson in the NBA.

Hart is what the Celebrity Game is all about, and he'll be welcomed as a participant for as long as he wants to compete.

Terrell Owens

Longtime NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens likely has a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in his future, but T.O. is no slouch when it comes to the game of basketball either.

Owens played basketball at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which served him well during the Celebrity Game in 2008 and 2009 as he became the first ever back-to-back MVP award winner.

T.O. dropped 18 points in the 2008 contest, followed by another 17 in 2009. There is no question that Owens had an advantage over everyone else due to his status as an elite athlete, and he certainly proved that.

Owens even famously dunked in the 2008 Celebrity Game, which cemented him as one of the most entertaining players in the history of the event.

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