'09 NBA Dunk Contest Preview

No one really knows what to expect in the Sprite 2009 Slam-Dunk Contest this year. With four top-flight dunkers ready to go on February 14th, this years contest is anticipated to be a good one. The four competitors are Dwight Howard (Defending Champ), Nate Robinson (2006 Champ), Rudy Gay, and rookie Rudy Fernandez.

This year was the first year for us, the fans, to vote on the fourth competetor. Fernandez beat out rookies Russell Westbrook and Joe Alexander to secure the fourth and final spot in the contest.

Rudy Fernandez is a 6'6'' 185 lb Spaniard who currently plays for the Portland Trailblazers. Fernandez averages 10.8 ppg which shouldn't be underlooked as he started his first game on December 31. A mild foot injury kept him game-time decision during January but personally I'm hoping for a great show from him or else I will regret voting for him.

I remember watching Rudy Gay in college at UCONN and saying to myself, "This kid can dunk." The 6'8'' sophomore is averaging 18.7 ppg starting for the Memphis Grizzlies. Gay, seems to be more of a game-time dunker to me and I don't expect a dazzling show from him.

When Nate Robinson won the 2006 contest with a dunk over Spudd Webb, i jumped off my couch and went crazy. I gave the instant replays of that dunk at least 500 plays on YouTube the following day.

The 5'7'' high-flyer is sure a fan-favorite but this year he has to deliver creativity to the table. Most of his previous contest dunks were outdated but nonetheless superb for a short guy like Robinson.

What would the dunk contest be without "Superman"?

Dwight Howard is back again to accomplish the unthinkable in dunk contests. I don't believe anything can top his "superman" dunk from last year but you never know what this Orlando "Magician" can pull out of his sleeve this year.