NBA All-Star Weekend 2014: Slam Dunk Contest 5-on-5

3. How do you feel about the new Team oriented format?

Menze: I don’t like it. It might be fun at first because it’s new, but I like it a lot better when it’s every man for himself. It’s also pretty stupid how the judges won’t be grading the individual dunks this year, no more chances to land a perfect score. Instead, the judges will just hold up “East” or “West” signs to show their vote.

Donoho: I don’t like it. Call me old fashioned, but I like to see guys follow in the same path as the legends who once starred on this stage. Now that we finally have some All-Stars in it, I’d like to see them compete the same way it’s been.

Morton: I don’t particularly like it. It always has been an individual contest, and I don’t think grouping players by conference will bring a sense of unity among them. Plus, it’s common to include a teammate in helping execute a dunk, which already brings a team aspect into the competition. This new format seems forced.

Perry: I like it. It adds even more excitement and competitive spirit to the event and will give the dunkers a chance to try all the crazy dunks they wouldn’t dare attempt during their individual rounds.

Blue: I’m not a fan of it. Crowning a team as the dunk champions feels like a step down to the feeling of giving the award to an individual. I hope they return to the individual format next year.

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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.