The Slam Dunk Contest has lost its step over the past few years.
Sure, there have been incredible dunks in recent years. Who could forget Jason Richardson defending his 2002 title with his insane toss-between-the-legs-one-handed-over-his-head dunk in 2003?What about Steve Nash’s header – off a backboard pass, no less – to Amaré Stoudemire in what may have been the coolest teammate help ever? Or, the next year, in 2006, Andre Iguodala dunking off a pass from behind the backboard?
However, despite these incredible (and immensely creative) dunks over the past few seasons, you would have to go back to 2000 and the Vince Carter Show to find the last dominant performance by a single player.
What has happened in recent years? It’s hard to say. Nate Robinson and Dwight Howard have won three of the past four years (Gerald Green won in 2007), but each relies on gimmicky approaches to the contest. Though still impressive in every sense of the word, Nate Robinson merely tries to jump over someone taller each year. Dwight Howard, on the other hand, continually re-iterates how high he can dunk and continually reverts to dunking on a twelve-foot rim – or marking his freakish athletic ability with a sticker more than halfway up the backboard.
Next year, though, things may change. After years of saying he would not compete – most likely for fear of losing – LeBron James has announced that he will partake in the Slam Dunk Contest. Arguably the biggest name in the league, LeBron may be exactly what the league names to bring excitement back to the event.
Up through Vince Carter’s legendary performance, I remember eagerly waiting for the Slam Dunk Contest and being amazed by the participants’ creativity and ability. However, the magic just isn’t there any more. Part of it can be attributed to the fact that with each passing year, less and less original dunks are out there, but that shouldn’t be enough to take the fun out of what should be the most original way for NBA players to show off.
LeBron’s entry would be a definite step in the right direction. However, in order for the event to reach its full potential, a rival would need to step up and challenge him.
Imagine how much fun it would be to see a “Best Of” Slam Dunk Contest, featuring LeBron, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter and Josh Smith. More than anything else, getting big names would drum up excitement and get people to care about the event once again.
Whether or not someone will step up and challenge “the King” remains to be seen. As far as the NBA and its fans are concerned, though, nothing would be better for the sport or more entertaining. Will someone please challenge LeBron’s throne?
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