I still like the dunk contest, still the best event of the night for me. That being said, 2 HUGE problems. 1) The judges. They are just terrible. I understand its an exhibition event and for fun, but its literally like they are not even watching. It seems like they never really know what is going on, who is dunking, or what. 2) The commentators. TNT basketball does the best sports presentation in all of america, for any sport, imo. But listening to Kenny and Reggie b**** for an hour, every year, for 20 years, about how much they hate the dunk contest, sucks. It literally can only detract from anyone's viewing experience. The Solution? Pick 5 interesting people (anyone random, singers, rappers, actors, former players, athletes of other sports) who can watch the dunks, talk about them, and all give their grade. They see replays and discuss in a low key and fun environment. More entertaining to listen to, more entertaining to watch. Other issues? The only other issue that occurs for me is the players. And I think that isn't always as bad as we think. Jaylen Brown just participating was great, just because he is a star player, even though he kinda sucked. MacClung is good, and at least known from last year. Jaquez has been having a great rookie season and has been a pretty big college basketball star for the past 4 years. But brother of Topin? Undrafted and played a total of 8 nba games? Unacceptable. Can't have COMPLETE nobodies in it. A recognizable role player, a young guy highly drafted with lots of potential, stars....should be who is in it.
we've all seen several dunk contests. but remember, for some young kid, it's their very first time watching. and im sure they will walk away thinking "wtf was that mid schitt"
Lack of hops is not what is wrong with the dunk contest. The reality is that there we are only so many dunks that can realistically be attempted and probably 99% were tried and done already. They tried gimmicks to see if they could create attention, but nope. It is a boring contest as well since they can only entice the 15th men and g-leaguers to participate which most of us have no interest in. NBA just needs to do away with the dunk contest.
