NBA All-Star Weekend 2014: Slam Dunk Contest 5-on-5
By Aaron Blue
1. On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate this year’s contestants?
David Menze (Editor): I’d say 6. Besides defending champ Terrence Ross, the only name of intrigue is Paul George. The other four — Harrison Barnes, Ben McLemore, John Wall and Damian Lillard — aren’t that exciting, in terms of highlight dunks.
Ryan Donoho (Co-Editor): 9. They finally have some All-Stars in this one. It would be better to see Blake Griffin, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, and other All-NBA players, but this field has a nice base of talent and hops.
Wesley Morton (Senior Writer): I give it an 8. Every year, there’s a lot of outcry over the decline of star power in the Dunk Contest. Those longing for a classic battle like Dominique Wilkins versus Michael Jordan may have their appetite whetted with this year’s class. Three All-Stars in Paul George, John Wall and Damian Lillard are joined by last year’s champion Terrence Ross and young guns Ben McLemore and Harrison Barnes. There may not be a LeBron James here but there are definitely stars.
William Perry (Staff Writer): 10. I can’t remember ever being this excited for the Slam Dunk Contest. I’m thrilled that established NBA stars like Paul George and John Wall will be participating instead of only young, lesser-known dunkers. If the prominence of the Dunk Contest is ever restored, you will know who to thank.
Aaron Blue (Staff Writer): I give it a 7. It’s refreshing to see more all stars in the contest this year. Whether the talent level will translate to a great dunk contest is the question. I’m optimistic.
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Coverage of tonight’s events begins at 8 p.m. (ET) on TNT with the Slam Dunk Contest set to tip-off following the conclusion of the Three-Point Contest. Click here for the complete list of Slam Dunk Contest participants.