NBA All Star Weekend: Big Names Must Be In The Slam Dunk Competition

The NBA has some work to do with their slam dunk competition as it continues to lose its excitement.

For years, the annual slam dunk competition during the NBA’s all-star break has been something many looked forward too. Unfortunately, in recent seasons, the slam dunk competition has become a dud and that does not appear to change any time soon.

The slam dunk competition on Saturday nights have taken a back seat to the skills challenge and three-point shootout. It would be great if all three were on a more consistent and exciting level, but that is not the case.

Last night’s slam dunk competition, which Indiana Pacers forward Glenn Robinson III won, was the NBA’s latest dud. Luckily, mainly Minnesota Timberwolves’ Zach LaVine, Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon, but also others have done enough in recent seasons to keep the slam dunk competition from being a laughing-stock.

Still, there needs to be changes to bring back this once highly anticipated activity back to what it once was. There has been a number of good, young talented players participating and that is great.

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However, the NBA needs more of its top players involved. There is a history with this activity and it was a big deal at one time. Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan, along with the greatest dunker of all-time and possible future hall of famer Vince Carter all once participated.

I mean, we did see Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard in his prime, but that was a while ago. There is no reason why Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James has yet to be part of the competition. Other players who would certainly help the slam dunk competition are Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler.

Is adding some of the top players in the NBA really the answer? It may not be the lone answer, but it is definitely a key building block to eventual success.

Another change that should be addressed is the amount of missed attempts that are allowed. Two per round needs to be the maximum and if a player still cannot accomplish the dunk their total should either be zero or 25.

Making those adjustments should benefit the competition. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has done a solid job since taking his current role. If/when he does something like this to improve the competition, Silver will have corrected a very frustrating issue for fans.

I would not be surprised to see fans preferring to watch everything but the slam dunk competition next season. After all, Gordon is not going to participate in 2018. Meanwhile, LaVine was not going to try to win this year even if he was healthy and he is probably done too.

Phoenix Suns guard Derrick Jones Jr. is a good athlete, but his dunks were done in the past at a tougher degree. Besides, he pushed off of people to make the dunk after multiple attempts.

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Overall, last night was a disappointment. I doubt any changes will be made before next season’s competition, but hopefully it is addressed ASAP. Otherwise, we could be store for another disappointment in 2018.

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