The NBA Dunk Contest that occurred over the weekend was fairly disappointing, and it continued to be so all through the All-Star Saturday occasion. If the leisure worth goes to stay this low, the Dunk Contest might need to take a backseat and let the three-point contest end out the occasions.
Jaylen Brown, a participant for the Boston Celtics, was one among solely two energetic NBA gamers who participated within the dunk contest. The opposite NBA participant was Jamie Jaquez, a rookie for the Miami Warmth who has not been recognized for his spotlight dunks thus far in his tenure within the league. The 2 different gamers who participated had been Jacob Toppin and final yr’s champion Mac McClung, each of whom had been G-League affiliate gamers. Toppin, who’s the brother of Obi Toppin, a ahead for the Indiana Pacers, gained the competition in 2022.
The dunks all through the night time haven’t captured the information cycles because of the lack of creativity and no actual flare throughout the competitors. Stephen A Smith, Kendrick Perkins, and Shannon Sharpe mentioned the disappointing occasion on First Take this morning. Smith says the participant that we have now guilty for the Dunk contest being what it’s now could be no apart from LeBron James.
“The one factor Shannon, Shannon I’m so critical about this I’ll shut up in regards to the GOAT debate when you hear me out,” Smith informed Shannon Sharpe that couldn’t consider what he was listening to. “The slam dunk contest, I acquired the stat right here Shannon. After we are speaking in regards to the slam dunk contest, from 1985 to 1997 5 of the slam dunk contests had been gained by future corridor of famers. (Micheal) Jordan twice, (Domonique) Wilkins twice, and Kobe (Bryant) as soon as. Michael Jordan participated within the contest 3 times. Domonique Wilkins 5 instances. Each excessive jumper, each Sky Walker, each above-the-rim expertise salivated for the chance to compete within the slam dunk contest, it stopped when LeBron James stated ‘I’m not doing it.’”
Smith’s level is legitimate. If we have a look at the extent of pleasure behind the competitors, from 2010 to 2013 it was nonetheless entertaining however was shedding its sizzle. Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon modified that in 2014 and 2015; they placed on a present with a few of the finest dunks within the final decade. After that, the dunk contest virtually turned unwatchable to some extent.
“And from that time ahead, the begins that adopted didn’t really feel compelled to prioritize a slam dunk contest. The custom that was set by different continuing LeBron James. You realize what he did Shannon to rub it in, he did it earlier than layup strains earlier than the sport. He did it on objective, so once we have a look at the demise of the slam dunk contest from a historic perspective, there is no such thing as a one who is aware of basketball who would refute what I’m saying. There isn’t any one that may do it, LeBron James refusing to take part within the dunk contest was the start and the spark plug of its demise, interval. There isn’t any one that would dispute that.”
The complete weekend wants a reset, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has to determine what must occur to make sure this occasion in San Fransisco subsequent yr and in Los Angeles, the next yr is even well worth the journey for NBA Followers. Try the clip of Stephen A. Smith from this morning beneath.
