2020 Dunk Contest Suggestions

If you are familiar with this blog you know that each February like clockwork I start complaining about the NBA dunk contest. I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record but it is my duty to try and fix what could be a beautiful and breathtaking event. Ever since Vince Carter won, there have only been a handful of memorable contests that I really enjoyed. I don't blame the players for this but rather the format the NBA insists on going with. Back in 1984 when they started having regular contests, they had 8 contestants and we got to see several dunks from a variety of players each round. Ever since they narrowed it down to 4 contestants these contests have frequently been too short and disappointing.

This year I heard that Dwight Howard was invited to participate again. He would not be my first choice at this stage in his career even though I have enjoyed watching his rebirth with the Lakers this year. If you are going to pick a veteran player I'd go with the oldest player in the league who also happens to be the greatest dunker of all time- Vince Carter. My only fear is he'd get too many sympathy votes but I think he'd still surprise everyone. Here are some additional suggestions to improve the contest. I think in addition to Carter, I'd include the following past dunk champions who are still in the league.

Vince Carter
Zach LaVine
Donavon Mitchell
Hamidou Diallo (since he is the returning champion)

In addition they should invite the following 4 players as well.
Aaron Gordon
Derick Jones Jr.
Zion Williamson
Lebron James

If you had these 8 dunkers and went back to the old format where we could see several dunks by many competitors it would be mind blowing. Also I would only want prior dunk champions like Dr. J, Jordan, Dominique, or Jason Richardson to judge. Keep the biased fans away from judging as well as any non-NBA celebrities.

Oh, and one more thing. Don't let Kenny Smith near the microphone. I like the guy as a commentator but I don't ever want to hear him repeatedly say "It's over" or attempt to sing the Superman melody again.

In summary:

1) Get the 8 players listed above to participate
2) Have 4 rounds and eliminate half the group each round
3) Only past champions can judge
4) Keep Kenny quiet

In the future they might also consider promoting the dunk contest like crazy but not let anyone know who will be participating until the contest begins. I'd love to see that curiosity approach and think it could draw more viewers since many people lose interest when lesser known participants are announced a month before.

If you followed these suggestions the dunk contest would be one of the most exciting and entertaining sporting events of all time. You are welcome NBA and dunk fans around the world.

R.I.P. Kobe Bryant

I just heard the news that Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter accident and still can't believe it. Hearing this the day after he graciously congratulated Lebron for passing his career scoring total is like a punch in the gut. It's one thing to see an NBA superstar pass away in their 80's after a long life but this is way too soon.

After Michael Jordan retired I was honestly depressed and less interested in the NBA but something happened over the course of several years to change that and it was the emergence of Kobe Bryant who inherited the mantle and brought back the amazing highlights. If the game was on the line he'd want the ball in his hands for the last shot. He had ice water in his veins and was clutch. It will take you a while to watch all his game winning shots on YouTube.

There have been many competitive players in the NBA over the years but he was definitely one of the most intense and competitive individuals of all time. His dedication was so extreme and legendary that there are regular joke memes that exaggerate what the Black Mamba did after a game or in the off season to improve his game.

I'm sure today band wagon fans are coming out of the woodwork and I'm not going to pretend that Kobe was my favorite player or that I never criticized him over the years in this blog. I enjoyed watching the Lakers under his leadership and almost always rooted for them to win unless they were playing the Jazz, but after his retirement it was painful to watch the Lakers like their heart was missing. I've been watching the Lakers regularly and just a couple weeks ago was thinking how much I like what I saw from the retired Kobe. He seemed more at ease and relaxed and like less of a competitor. Seeing him speak Slovenian to Luca court side during a game or watching him cheer on the current squad at home games with his kids just made him seem more likable. The fans loved him and would always cheer for him as he'd leave the Staples Center.

Anyway, I'm still having a hard time believing this happened. One reason it is so hard to internalize is because it reminds us how fragile life is. This happened to a rich, talented, famous, smart, good looking, multi-lingual guy who seemed to have what everyone in the world would want. I was expecting to see him continue work in Hollywood, business, and possibly coaching in the future. I didn't see this coming.

It was a privilege to watch Kobe play for so many years and as sad as this is for his family and the fans, I look forward to the tributes that we will surely see in the coming days from his teammates, opponents, and fans. Rest in Peace.

Lebron and the Lakers

Last year as the Lakers were struggling I did a short post questioning what was going on with Lebron since he didn't seem himself. After finally missing the playoffs and taking some time off, he has emerged as impressive as ever. The Lakers have been fun to watch this year and Lebron is currently leading the NBA in assists per game. I have not seen as complete of a player since Magic Johnson.

I admit I am a Lebron fan more than I am for any team he plays for. I have always enjoyed the Lakers since showtime days but after Shaq and Kobe left I had little interest in them. When Lebron recently joined them I prefer to watch them over even my home town Jazz. If Lebron went to the Washington Wizards or the Charlotte Hornets  I would start watching those boring teams.


I'm happy to see him back and playing well with his team and look forward to the rest of this season.

The Starters- What Happened?

A couple weeks ago when the new NBA season started I went to YouTube to see the latest episode of the Starters so I could get updated. I pulled up the most recent episode and was surprised to see it was from the end of last season. I was sickened to see that the program was not renewed so they had their last show back in June. I had no idea. That is a shame. I loved that program.

I like the inside the NBA crew more and think they are more entertaining and have more credibility as analysts since they are former NBA players but the Starters was still a very entertaining basketball program and I liked what each one of them brought to the table as sports fans.

I'm looking forward to this season but there is a big spot to fill with the demise of that program. After researching this subject I saw they are still doing a podcast somewhere else but that is not the same. Despite my excitement for daily games and highlights from the NBA, part of me feels like someone had just littered all over my basketball world since I won't be seeing the same weekend whoopsies, top 10 plays of the week, or tracking wedgies any more.

What's Up With Lebron?

Yesterday Lebron passed Michael Jordan and moved up to 4th place in the all time scoring leaders. Despite that milestone I have been really concerned about his level of play recently. Lebron has many haters but I have never been one of them. He is one of my favorite players and I have admired how he has carried himself on and off the court since he entered the league. 

Despite this, I can't help but acknowledge that something has been off since he came back from his injury last month. The Lakers are in a tailspin losing to some of the worst teams in the league as they attempt to make the playoffs by the skin of their teeth.

I was expecting the Lakers to need some time to gel and rebuild before being serious contenders with Lebron, so not making the playoffs is not the real problem. There was drama with the potential Anthony Davis trade last month when the organization was willing to unload pretty much anyone and everyone on the team for him. The way that went down certainly couldn't have helped team morale. 

You can easily see there is a problem by watching Lebron's body language lately. He still puts up impressive numbers but he's walking around on defense and finger pointing at teammates. He's staying out late with rappers and then sitting out games the next day. It's one thing to see the Lakers struggle but it's harder for me to see him in the kind of slump which frankly includes a bad attitude. He's starting to remind me of  Demarcus Cousins. I've never seen this before from him. He's also missing the usual leadership spark he's expected to have. I'm not sure if he's given up on the current squad for this year or if he's going through some other kind of personal struggles.

I just hope the Lakers can rebuild and prepare for the upcoming season and I hope Lebron can get the rest he may need since he's had extended seasons including playoffs for the longest time. I think as painful as it has been to watch over the last  month, that next year will be much better. I am not giving up on one of the greatest players ever. He will be back and in full form eventually.

The Joker

Nicola Jokic has been in the league for over 5 years but last year was the first time he really caught my attention. I haven't been a big Nuggets fan in the past, but I'm impressed with this big man from Serbia since he is so fun to watch. For a 7 footer, he's not a very physical player but has great post moves and can stretch his game out behind the arc. The thing that most impresses me about him is his passing skills. I haven't seen a big man distribute the ball this well since Arvydas Sabonis.



His teammates are spoiled to have such a great player on their team. He's been carrying the team most of this season and I look forward to more of his highlights.

The Most Boring NBA Players

I get a kick out of how basketball has evolved over the years. You've probably seen old black and white footage from the 50's of tall, slender, and pretty average looking  guys showing off their skills by dribbling with their left hand, doing a bounce pass, or making a bank shot. It didn't take much to entertain back then.

Players like Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Jordan are known for their innovation and ushering in an exciting style of play. Some players are also known for their entertaining off-court personalities like Daryl Dawkins, Dennis Rodman, Ron Artest, and Shaq. Then there are those players who are just kind of boring. If the NBA was Baskin Robbins, then the following players would be plain vanilla flavored.

Warning: I'm not saying these players are not good or talented or effective. They are obviously seasoned professionals, but I just don't like watching them play as much as others since their game can come across as boring.

Tim Duncan- He's one of the greatest player of all time but he usually did it without much pizazz. There is a reason they nicknamed him "The Big Fundamental." and not "The Human Highlight Film."

Robert Parish- Going back a little on this one. "The Chief" was a solid player and had great longevity in the league but his on and off court demeanor was pretty expressionless.

Kevin Love- He has been effective in the past, especially as a Timberwolf with all his double doubles, but you seldom see anything fancy from him.

Andre Miller- He's the #10 on the all time assists leaders, but was so boring to watch.

Al Jefferson- I rooted for Big Al as a Jazz fan but still had to admit it was not very exciting to watch him do his thing.

Zach Randolph- He does not look like he should even be out on the court. I only remember seeing layups and close range shots from him.


Other boring players on my list include Matt Bonner, Mike Dunleavy, Mike Bibby, Jaron Collins, Brian Scalabrine, Anderson Varejao, and Bill Cartwright.

There are even some  guys who have been big stars and have plenty of highlights, but I still consider them to be boring like Carmello Anthony. Then there are amazing players who have a seemingly quiet on court presence, yet they can casually score 30 points a night. Alex English used to be this way.

You probably won't see most of these guys on Sports Center with the top 10 plays unless it is a tip in at the buzzer. I know defense and fundamentals wins championships, but there are times I'd rather watch an exciting team with athletic players who are entertaining.

Side note: I started this post in 2015 and it has been sitting in my draft box for years. One of the players I originally listed as boring was Brook Lopez, but after seeing him light it up from three point range this year I took his name off. Thanks for making things more entertaining and for showing it's never too late to change.