The 2013 NBA All-Star game gets underway in just a little bit, but the premier event of the weekend went down last night. No, not the event where Jeff Teague chucked basketballs through garbage cans or where Brook Lopez had a shootaround with WNBA players. I'm talking, of course, about the Slam Dunk contest, where some of the most iconic moments in the sports' recent history have been made.
Last night's throwdown, however, lacked the punch and high drama that we have seen in most years. James White had an entire Flight Crew to back him up on his attempt at a two-handed foul line dunk, but like many before him, was about a step too close to the basket. Terrence Ross' behind-the-back maneuver was pretty sweet, if not original, but required what seemed like ten missed attempts before being completed. (For what it's worth, I thought Jeremy Evans' dunk over his own painting stole the show.)
Every year, there's a lot of talk about how to fix the slam dunk contest. Some people call for the game's biggest stars to enter, but that ultimately wouldn't up the ante for anyone except the most casual of fans. In 2002, the league attempted to shake things up by introducing the dunk wheel (if you're in the mood to cringe, you can check out the YouTube video here). So what's the solution? Perhaps the best answer is to accept that not every slam dunk contest will be worthy of texting all of your friends or telling your children about and realizing that some years will be stronger than others. Oh, and lose Nick Cannon. That would probably help too.
Got a fantastic basketball blog piece that you want featured on Hoops Rumors? Send your submissions to HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here's this week's look around the web..
- Singh Sports News looks at Bryan Colangelo's gutsiest moves.
- Bleed Green updates us on the state of the Celtics at the break.
- Forum Blue and Gold gives us a retrospective on the Lakers and All-Star Saturday.
- Blog A Bull wishes a happy 50th birthday to Michael Jordan.
- Buckets Over Broadway grades the Knicks.
- The Basketball Post has taken notice of the Spurs' improved defensive play.
- Hoops Addict asks if the C's should trade their vets.
- Hardwood Paroxysm profiles Brook Lopez.
- Red94 wants to know the real James Harden.
- Always Miller Time wonders if the All-Star game should be held the same city each year.
- The Sixer Sense has some fun with the trade machine.
- Hardwood Houdini wonders if Jeff Green could save Boston's season.
- Bucksketball is frustrated with Milwaukee's inconsistency.
- The Brooklyn Game hands out their report card for the Nets.
- Utah Sports Net ranks the top 30 one-guard in the Association.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached here.
I have thoughts on how to improve this event, starting with eliminating some excess events and how to revamp three point and dunk competition. Will submit to Zach and see if he wants to give it a run.
The Dunk Contest last night was extremely disappointing. Shaq has it right, they need to stop giving these guys 20 attempts to dunk it. I was feeling bad for Jeremy White.