Gerald Wallace, Nate Robinson, Shannon Brown, and the “Dunk In” contenders Eric Gordon and Demar Derozan……
*yawn*
These gentleman will vie for the 2010 Slam Dunk crown during All-Star weekend. Many fans of the NBA have long decided that the Slam Dunk Contest is about as important as “For the Love of Ray J”.
In a “new”, “interesting” twist (insert sarcasm), the powers-to-be have decided to have 2 stars compete for the last spot, during the Friday night All-Star festivities.
Id hate to be the one to break it to the NBA and their creative geniuses, but this does not create excitement for what use to be the premiere event during All-Star weekend. Why?
1) Nate Robinson has won two dunk contests already. It took him a total off 30 attempts during those contests, but he won them. Boring TV.
2) I have not heard, or seen (on twitter), anyone mention the name Eric Gordon and Dunk Contest in the same sentence. Thats like having Nate Dogg sing the National Anthem. Yeah we dig you, but this may not be the stage for you.
3) Gerald Wallace is a heck of a player…but has been one for six out of his nine years in the league. Sadly, he is still underrated and does not posses the star potential you were hoping for.
4) Shannon Brown has dunked on people , but does he have Dunk Contest dunks? Not sure. For the league’s sake, lets hope so.
Speaking of stars, I do recall “Golden Child” (my name for Lebron James) saying he would participate, but we all knew better. It sounded good at the time, but did we really think he would follow through? Would the contest even had been competitive if he did. No. Those judges would’ve had to put on a saddle for the way they were going to ride James’ “Cavalier”.
As a fan of the league, what pisses me off the most is that you will see people who SHOULD be in the contest on the sidelines with their entourage. Real Fans don’t expect the TRUE superstars to participate, but where are the guys who possess what the fans want to see?
Until the league expands their think tank and sweetens the pot, why would people want to participate? No incentive whatsoever.
Oh yeah, don’t forget that the Dunk Contest will be in the new Dallas Stadium. With that line up, you may be lucky to fill half of the place. I could be wrong, but I am about as excited about this Dunk Contest as Steve Francis was when he was drafted by the Grizzlies.
Editors Note: Thats not what he looked like Draft night, but pretty much sums up his attitude.