What if fans were allowed to pick NBA All-Star Dunk Contest participants?
The NBA All-Star Game is a showcase of the best talent in the league. But most importantly, it’s for the fans. Fans vote for starters of the main every year but the main event is no longer the game. It’s the Dunk Contest.
Why are fans not allowed to vote for that contest?
[Mark]I have nothing against Aaron Gordon, Zach LaVine, Terrance Ross or any of the other participants that wish to showcase their talents but, how great would it be to see the likes of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan going toe-to-toe in the competition? This is the lineup fans want to see but the NBA will do everything they can to not let that happen.
Those are the stars, faces of their respective teams and league. There is always the possibility of someone getting injured and hurting their team’s second half but if this is truly a weekend for the fans then make it be about the fans.
What if Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins never showcased their skills on that stage. What if Vince Carter and Dwight Howard refused to give the fans what they wanted? They saw the bigger picture but the league continues to ignore the fact.
LeBron has turned it down on numerous occasions, electing instead to be a cheerleader to the event. I want to see what a James and DeRozan contest would be like. Jordan and ‘Nique put on a great show. LaVine and Gordon last year may have rivaled that 1988 contest but it’s nothing like watching the top guys put it all on the line for the fans.
The Dunk Contest will draw big views without them but if they were to participate it resemble a Pay Per View event with the hype leading up. The Three-Point Contest has no shortage of star power as you will see the Larry Bird’s, Stephen Curry’s and Klay Thompson’s but why not the marquee dunkers?
The NBA must change this rule and allow the fans to vote. You want to entertain us, let us pick.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
