2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest: New Format & Lack of Star Power Ruin Legendary Event
The NBA has switched the format of the Slam Dunk Contest, and if their goal was to make the contest as underwhelming as humanly possibly, they succeeded. If, however, they wanted to add a little spice to the event, they're going to need to try again.
Fox Sports reported on a few changes that will do nothing to rejuvenate the event.
"The league announced Thursday that there no longer will be judges in the event, which also will be reduced to one round. Each contestant will execute three dunks. Fans will determine the champion by voting on NBA.com, Twitter or through text messaging.
"
Was there something wrong with fans watching the contest to enjoy it? Part of what makes events like this fun is that you sit back and enjoy it. You're not taking notes or constantly going to your computer or phone. That is the job of the judges.
But that's not the biggest problem. No, the greatest issue with the Slam Dunk Contest is the field, which comes from the same report cited above.
| Iman Shumpert | New York Knicks |
| Paul George | Indiana Pacers |
| Derrick Williams | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Chase Budinger | Houston Rockets |
Not exactly a quartet that's going to get people flying to their televisions to watch. The event which was once dominated by stars like Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, Vince Carter and Blake Griffin will now be occupied by four players who don't bring a shred of star power.
The best thing about the changes is that they're shortening the contest to one round. Let me clarify something. That change is not good because it won't make the dunks any better, but it will make the contest shorter. By the time the competition rolls around, that is going to be quite nice.
The NBA needs to find a way to bring the stars back to this event. Throwing four names out there that are barely recognizable to the causal fan isn't going to do anything to make this event more important.
The ultimate problem with this group and format is that it's quite forgettable. None of those players spark the interest (good or bad) of anyone. Without that element, the event might as well not take place.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
